PropelCalling

Photo by Geoff Duncan

You get a great idea for a nonprofit or service project that you want to start—as many people do—but then, you start to talk yourself out of it.  Time, money, energy, support—the perceived barriers are enough to stop you before you even try, but there’s no real reason why you can’t do it.

Regardless of how difficult it may seem, here are seven reasons why you want to take action and pursue your calling.

01 | YOUR PASSION IS YOUR PURPOSE
Always do what you’re passionate about.  That passion will drive your dedication, making any obstacle obsolete in comparison to the bigger picture.

“The two most important days in life are the day you born and the day you discover the reason why.” — Mark Twain

02 | MORE HANDS EQUAL MORE CHANGE
There’s a reason that organizations have multiple hands, both directly and indirectly working to help achieve a goal.  The world needs your hands.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

03 | THERE CAN NEVER BE TOO MANY PEOPLE WORKING TOWARDS A CAUSE
The issues of the world are many, and even if there are many organizations with the same focus, it is our social responsibility to still do our part.  Collectively, we can make a difference.

“The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better.” — Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

04 | INNOVATION IS KEY TO CHANGE
Everyone could go after the same idea with the same objective, and still, no one will do it like you will. Your nonprofit or project will have its own style because you do.

“Innovation is taking two things that already exist and putting them together in a new way.” — Tom Freston

05 | COLLABORATION IS THE NEW BLACK
If there are hundreds of organizations doing similar work, then there are hundreds of opportunities for collaboration.  A fist strikes a heavier blow than one finger could ever do.

“As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people’s ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” — Amy Poehler

06 | YOUR VOICE HAS INFLUENCE
When you start a nonprofit, you become an example for others in your network.  Other people who are also on the fence about helping to make a change will climb on over. Never underestimate the power of your own voice.

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” — Malala Yousafzai

07 | HELP OTHERS, HELP YOURSELF
When you serve and work toward a greater cause, the reward for helping others is a greater than you can ever imagine.  Committing to service is giving to yourself.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi

FROM THE EDITOR
At Conscious, remarkable people and organizations inspire us, and so we set out to tell stories that highlight human-interest stories, global initiatives, innovation, community development, and social impact. You can read more stories like this when you subscribe.