Changing the world. That’s a scary thought, isn’t it?
You might think you have to be a political leader, a billionaire, or a famous celebrity to make a real impact, but what if I told you that’s not the case.
You see, according to psychology, there are certain characteristics that can predict whether someone has the potential to make a significant difference in the world, and these characteristics are probably not what you imagine.
I’m not talking about having an exceptionally intelligent or charismatic personality. It is about more than that.
Here is the trampler. You can be that person. Yes, you. Reading this article right now.
Interested? Interested? Let’s explore 8 signs that you are the kind of person who can change the world, according to psychology.Don’t be surprised if you find yourself nodding as we go.
1) You have an unwavering belief in yourself
It all starts with you Changing the world is not for the faint of heart.
You’ve probably faced your fair share of naysayers or doubters in your life. Heck, maybe you’ve even been your own biggest critic at times. But there’s a part of you that refuses to back down, refuses to be silenced.
You have this unwavering belief in yourself and your ideas. It doesn’t matter if others can’t see your vision or understand your drive. You know what you’re capable of.
That doesn’t mean you’re immune to doubt or fear, but you’ve learned how to use these feelings as fuel to propel you forward, not chains that hold you back.
In psychology, it’s often associated with high levels of self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to achieve goals.And according to many studies, people with high self-efficacy are more likely to take on and succeed at challenging tasks, such as changing the world.
And if this sounds like you, congratulations, you’re one step closer to making a real difference in the world.
2) You are not afraid of failure
Failure. It’s a word that sends shivers down many people’s spines, but not you.
You see, failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity to learn, to grow, to become better than before.
I remember one particular time in my life when I tried to start my first business. I put all my savings into it and I really believed that it would succeed. But it failed miserably.
It was heartbreaking. I felt like I let myself down, I let others down, but instead of wallowing in self-pity or giving up, I decided to learn from it.
I looked at what went wrong, where I could improve, how I could do better next time, and guess what?
You see, this attitude towards failure is what sets the world changers apart.It’s not about never failing, it’s about never giving up.
Psychology backs this up, too.Studies show that people who view failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback are more likely to achieve their goals and make a significant impact in their field.
So if you’re someone who embraces failure as part of the journey rather than fearing it, then you have another sign of your potential to change the world.
3) You see the world not as it is, but as it could be
Albert Einstein once said: “The world as we have made it is our thinking process. It cannot change without changing our thinking.”
Think about that for a moment. To change the world, we must first change the way we think.
And that’s something you do naturally. You’re not one to accept things just because they’ve always been. You question, you challenge, you think. “Could this be better? Could this be different?”
This ability to see beyond the present, but to imagine the future, is a common trait among those who change the world. They are not just dreamers, but doers who make their visions a reality.
Now, if you’re the type of person who always sees the potential for improvement and change, who dreams big and works to make those dreams come true, then that’s another sign that you’re the type of person who can change the world. :
4) You have a strong sense of empathy
You feel deeply for the plight of others, and their pain resonates with you on a personal level.It’s not just about feeling sorry for them, but understanding their experiences, their struggles, and their perspectives.
Have you ever heard of mirror neurons? They are a type of brain cell that respond equally when we perform an action and when we see someone else perform the same action. This discovery led to a new understanding of how we can “feel” other people’s emotions.
In practical terms, when you see someone else’s suffering, your brain “mirrors” that feeling, and this is what gives rise to your deep sense of compassion.
This compassion drives you to want to make a difference. It drives you to take action, to do something, something that can help alleviate their suffering.
5) Are you a natural problem solver?
Let’s face it, changing the world isn’t going to be easy. Are you ready for them?
You have a knack for identifying problems, analyzing them, and coming up with creative solutions. When others see a dead end, you see a challenge too big to overcome.
In psychology, this is often associated with a concept called a “growth mindset,” the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
People with a growth mindset are more likely to take on challenges and are more resilient when faced with setbacks; two important qualities needed by anyone trying to change the world.
6) You are committed to lifelong learning
The world is always changing, developing, and to change the world you have to follow it.
You have a thirst for knowledge that never seems to be quenched. You are always striving to know more, to understand more, to grow more.
It’s not about getting degrees or formal education, although those can certainly be a part of it.It’s about an innate curiosity, a desire to understand the world and your place in it.
This trait is important to anyone who seeks to change the world because it promotes adaptability and innovation, two essential elements for making meaningful change.
For someone who never stops learning, he sees every experience as an opportunity to grow; it is clear that you are the person who can change the world.
7) Do you inspire others?
Changing the world is not the work of one person.
You have a way of igniting passion in people. When you talk about your dreams and ideas, others listen. They get excited. They want to be a part of what you do.
You see, it’s one thing to have a vision for a better world, but quite another to inspire others to join you in making that vision a reality.
In psychology, this ability to inspire and motivate others is often associated with transformational leadership, a leadership style that inspires followers to exceed expectations through the leader’s enthusiasm and charisma.
Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, or Nelson Mandela were all transformational leaders; they had a vision for a better world and inspired millions to join their quest.
8) You are driven by a purpose greater than yourself
Ultimately, what truly sets world changers apart is their unwavering commitment to a cause greater than themselves.
You’re not in it for the fame, the money, or the recognition. You’re in it because you really want to make a difference, to make the world a better place.
This doesn’t mean you can’t personally benefit from your efforts, but your main motivation comes from within, a deep desire to make a positive difference.
Psychology calls this intrinsic motivation—motivation that comes from internal rewards rather than external ones.
Research shows that people who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to stick to their goals and achieve them, even when faced with setbacks.They are also more likely to enjoy what they do and feel satisfied with their work.
So if you are someone who is driven by a purpose greater than yourself, then congratulations, you have received the ultimate sign that you are someone who can change the world.
Embracing your world-changing potential
If you find yourself nodding to these signs, it’s a clear indication that you have the potential to change the world. And that’s a really powerful thing.
Remember, changing the world isn’t an overnight achievement. It’s a journey full of challenges, failures, and triumphs. But with every step you take, every decision you make, you get closer to making a real difference.
It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers, it’s about sticking to your goal even when the going gets tough.
So take a moment to think about these signs. Celebrate them! Because they’re not just signs, they’re your superpowers.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” And with these qualities within you, there is no doubt that you can be that change.