Lots of people don’t believe in change. Or at least they think that making change happen is a very complicated process. At the same time, people are fascinated by change. They willingly follow individuals promising to bring the change. Barack Obama’s message hasn’t just taken America by storm, it has turned into a worldwide phenomenon. People WANT change to happen. It is a welcome thought that you need to rely on someone (or something) else to bring the change. It is easy to relate to this way of thought, as otherwise, it would ultimately mean that it’s entirely a person’s own fault for not living his / her life in the way he / she wants.

By believing that it takes something else for change to happen, you put the responsibility away, so it’s not your own fault when something goes wrong, but there’s still a (more or less good) chance that change will happen.

I believe people are ill-informed. Optimistic people often say that ‘all it takes is one idea’. I don’t believe that this is all that’s necessary, but rather that all it takes is one decision. You might be struck by the greatest thought ever, but if you don’t consciously decide to follow this idea, change will never happen. If it is that easy to make change happen, why do only few people live their lifes in the best way possible? I think they are afraid of taking responsibility for their actions. Whenever I talk about making good decisions for your life and considering all options, others look at me puzzled, like I’m from a different planet. Just like they never considered putting that much effort in their decision-making.

Why are so many people afraid of growing up and taking responsibility? I honestly don’t know, as there is no disadvantage involved. You might have to admit that you’ve been wrong from time to time, but that’s pretty much it – it’s a price I’m more than willing to pay if it means that I take responsibility for my actions and am in full control of my life.

My personal bottom line is: All it takes is the one conscious decision.