Be the change you want to see (or, more bluntly, wake up and don’t take it lying down!)

Be the change you want to see (or, more bluntly, wake up and don’t take it lying down!)

You’ve probably heard of the quote from Mahatma Ghandi, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Many people may have heard this and similar quotes; I find that sometimes I can get a little blasé about the many great quotes I come across. The recent LIBOR (London Inter-bank Offered Rate) scandal in the financial markets gave me a little jolt, especially as I have banked with Barclays for over 30 years, and prompted me to ask myself what could I do, and also what could we all do, about this. (Click here to read a brief yet saddening example of how the Barclays situation could affect families and children).

Initially I felt powerless to do anything. How could I make any difference in the face of such ‘lack of integrity’ on a global scale? But then I remembered some of the NLP material I teach, for example we all have the ability to choose how we respond to circumstances. And I remembered Ghandi’s quote. I want to see integrity in financial markets and financial dealings, therefore be the change.

So I have decided to make some changes in my financial affairs to reflect the change I want to see in the world. Without going into details, I have decided to take a closer look at organisations I do business with personally and professionally, and as far as possible to place my business only with organisations who reflect my beliefs and values. I believe if we each take some action, however small, that is in line with our own beliefs and values, the message will start to filter through.

And I am reminded of another quote, from Edmund Burke (before the days of political correctness): “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” And if by some chance you happen to feel too small to make a difference, please click on this link to read the quote by Marianne Williamson, often attributed to Nelson Mandela.

Be the change you want to be

So, I know what I’m going to do. My questions to you (and continually to myself are:

  • What change do you want to see in the world?
  • What one thing could you do within the next week or month to bring about that change?
  • What else could you do?
  • How will you feel in the future having done it, compared to not having done it?

If you’re willing to share, I would love to hear what action(s) you took. Remember, each of us can make a difference.

What our students and clients say

Ivona Gordon

Jeremy has a unique approach to bringing out the best in people. He certainly practices what he preaches!  Jeremy is one of a handful of trainers/coaches/practitioners that I would, without any hesitation, recommend to others.  He is knowledgeable, ethical and shows genuine passion for the work he does and how best to serve others.

Mel Larsen

Before doing the NLP course, I had felt I needed more coaching approaches and methodologies. The course gave me a lot of new techniques which I have used to help my coaching clients. Also I was launching my new coaching brand as I was doing the programme and looking back I can see it helped me to set big targets and reach them.

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Donna de Villiers

I have had the pleasure of studying with Jeremy, and the NLP he has taught has had a wonderful impact on my personal and professional life.  Jeremy explains NLP in an accessible, easy, manner and for me took away the fluff of the subject.  The practical help on the courses and the smaller classes give you a personal learning environment, perfect for this subject.  I highly recommend Jeremy for anyone interested in NLP.

Simon Fanning

I found the course to be enlightening both personally and professionally.  Jeremy’s experience of the corporate world allowed for a real life perspective to be taken and a focused view into NLP and its application in Business and coaching.

Dave Cordle

I’ve undertaken three major trainings with Jeremy: NLP Practitioner, NLP Master Practitioner and most recently NLP Sports Practitioner. I keep coming back because the training is thorough, ethical and ecological, and it’s academically recognized. As a career coach I work with people at all stages of their career, across levels and across a wide range of industries.

Dara Caryotis

I feel privileged to have discovered NLP, it has changed my life. Understanding communication, the impact of language and being able to change unwanted behaviours has been the difference that made the difference for me.  Jeremy is so much more than an NLP Master Trainer.  It is a powerful rewarding experience learning and evolving with Jeremy. I highly recommend studying with Jeremy, one of my best decisions.