A. Make space in your life for education to become a global citizen. About a century ago we didn't have to worry about more than our local communities, since the closest thing we had to wireless communication were... pigeons.
Along with the wonders and benefits of the internet we have also acquired responsibilities that go beyond borders. So we have a responsibility to the entire planet. Our products are designed in one country, manufactured in another and sold and used in many more others. So as a consumer, we have incredible power and impact. Whatever we think, say and do has the potential to affect someone halfway across the world, affect people whose stories we will never get to hear.
B. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Our brains are wired to search for comfort, because it is used to daily challenges. Now, for some of us, our lifestyles are so comfortable sometimes, it short circuits our brain. We are used to discomfort, drama, difficulty and challenges. We are not used to getting so many instant gratification style endorphin bombs, so we became addicted to it. We have started to crave instant gratification so we have become obsessed with comfort and convenience. So we run away from complex, difficult situations that takes us outside of our comfort zone. But in order to become happy, we need progress, and the only way to progress is to get out of our comfort zone, so we need to get comfortable with becoming uncomfortable in order to drive real change within and outside us.
C. Happiness = Progress:
In order to create impact, people think it's necessary to take many steps, so there's no wonder one feels overwhelmed and blocked. It's not easy to take in bad news and be told that you are the cause of it.
But I am here to tell you that it is enough to do what you can, when you can with what you have, but always strive for progress.
Our brains are wired for progress. Progress = Happiness.
And what is the best kind of progress? One that can sustain itself indefinitely. Sustainable progress. So, I guess, I just discovered that Sustainability = Happiness :)
D. Understand how change works like - a car. In order to go from point A to point B, you need a vehicle. I mean, sure, you could walk, but I won't be able to make my analogy this way, right? :) So bare with me. As any car, in order for it to help you go from point A to point B, you need a few things:
A destination, (2) a driver, (3) a functioning car, (4) fuel and (5) a road. But more importantly, you need a (0) reason. Why are you going from A to B? Let's take them one by one really quick:
A destination is important. You need to know where you are now and where you need to go. Your current situation and your goal. Be specific. I want to go from throwing away 1kg of trash per week to 0kg. I am emitting 10kg of CO2 per year, I want to reach zero. Not less, zero. It's not called the Zero Way for nothing eh. I am That is your final destination.
So the question will be: Where am I now and where do I want to be?
(2) A driver. The driver is your mindset. Can you drive? Do you know the rules of the road? Do you know how to turn on the car? Where the acceleration is? The driver thus needs to have the education, the knowledge to go from point A to B with that vehicle. Research is necessary, how do I become zero waste, zero emission, zero child labour?
So the question is: do you have the right mindset and knowledge to drive change?
(3) A functioning car. Is the car working properly, is it efficient, does it need changing, improving, new tyres? The car is your tools, either the skills or the products you need to help you move forward. As skills, the ability to form and maintain habits (acceleration), the ability to give up on stuff that you don't need or are dangerous (break). But especially the products are crucial. Do you have the stainless steel bottle, tumbler and cutlery to eliminate single-use products? Do you have an energy provider that offers renewable energy in your area to help you reduce 25% of your CO2 emissions? Do you have a store that sells fair trade coffee?
So the question is: Do you have the tools you need?
(4) Fuel. You can have a clear map, an awesome car and the best weather possible, but if you don't have fuel, the car won't even start. The fuel are your feelings. Your motivation. The fire that keeps you going. The WHY. You need a very strong Why to keep you going. And you need to keep that engine going by fueling it with the right feelings all the time. Every person gets motivated by different feelings. Know your fuel. Is it diesel happiness? Then celebrate your small wins often. Do you need anger gasoline? Watch the news and get constantly angry at the state of the world. Do you have a social energy battery that needs recharging? Do it together with friends. Join a community. Build your energy station. Keep fueling your feelings to keep the car of change going.
And don't forget mental health, as important as physical health.
(5) The road. No matter what happens, there are some things you can't control. Some parts of the road will be smooth. Others not so much. There will be bumps in the road. You have to either avoid them or drive right through them. You can't change the road, you can only change your mentality. There will be stop signs, passers by, bicycles. Some people will drive like snails and you'll get angry at them. Some will speed by like there's a baby coming. No matter what happens, remember that everybody is on their own journey! Respecting every driver's speed makes for a safe ride.
And while it's the most important, I put it last because, if there's one thing I want you to remember is this: The reason. Never forget why you went on this journey in the first place. Your why is very important. Whether you did it because you truly and unconditionally love your children, whether you're doing it because it's the right thing.
Your voice is important.
Don't forget to say a little prayer when you enter the car. Just in case. Drive safely! Thank you.
5. Follow the Zero Way:
1. Think in Cycles
2. Know Your Products
3. Ask many whys
4. Connect and share
5. Make your voice heard