Are you fed up of feeling helpless during this pandemic? As the weeks go on, the lock-downs continue, and people lose their income, there may be people out there who simply cannot afford the day to day necessities. Can you believe that the 2 weeks to stop the spread has become 2 years? We’re thankful for those out there doing what they can. But we can all do something – remember … anything, no matter how small, can help. All it takes is for one person to step out and do that one small thing. You can be THAT one person.
To the world, you are one person
But to one person you may be the world.
~ Dr. Suess ~
History tells us that all it takes is one person to start a movement. One person says, “I’ve had enough” and their passion drives a group to change the world. You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results.
Mahatma Gandhi, one person, employed non-violent resistance to lead the campaign for India’s independence from British Rule. This in turn, inspired the civil rights movements across the world. It took just one person.
“It is not how much we do,
but how much love we put in the doing.
It is not how much we give,
but how much love we put in the giving.”
Mother Teresa, one person, decided to dedicate her life to serving the poor around the world. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and became the symbol for charitable selfless work. It took just one woman.
Move to more modern times – in 1980, one mom started a movement that would significantly change how we do things. She started MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to end drunk/drugged driving and support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent under-age drinking. One person was all that it took.
Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
We invite you to join us to do something small e.g. cook an additional meal for someone when you’re cooking for your family, do their shopping for them or even just providing some free advice. It’s time that theory should become reality. By yourself you cannot do much, but the compound effect of everyone doing something small amounts to much.
Some of the initiatives started during this pandemic that we’ve heard about …
THE BEAR HUNT
Place a bear in your window so others can go “bear hunting”. It’s a fun way to get some fresh air, go for a walk (if it’s permitted where you are) and hunt for bears with your children while keeping to the social distancing as recommended by our Governments. Several new groups sprung up at the start of the pandemic – the Australian Bear Hunt Movement gathered 4,700 members in a short period and brought a lot of joy during the lock-down. The movement no longer exists – it has served its purpose.
BUILD A SMALL COMMUNITY
How many of you know your neighbours? Do you even know their names? Do a letter drop to your neighbours in the street and invite them to join a small Whatsapp or Zoom Chat Group. Get to know them and build your community. Social distancing does not mean social isolation. Get into a group “virtual hug” via Whatsapp or Zoom. Many long lasting friendships and business relationships were built during those months.
BUILD YOUR BUSINESS
Apply this same principle to your business. Ask yourself, “How can I build business relationships when I cannot get out and talk to my customers”. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. “I can’t” should never be in your vocabulary as an entrepreneur. The question is always “how”. Did you know that in 2020, during the pandemic, entrepreneurs opened their own businesses at more than twice the rate seen in pre-pandemic times – thanks to government support programs and improved remote technology.
Can you imagine what the outcome would have been if this pandemic occurred in, say, the year 2000 … no Zoom (a 2011 starter) and no YouTube (that started in 2005). Before you throw up your hands and say that you would give up, consider this – there were many businesses that grew out of the Great Depression. HOW did they do it?