Build A Longer Table Not A Higher Fence

“I’ve always wanted to work with the underprivileged but I don’t have the time.”

“My heart bleeds for the poor animals on the streets yet I can’t help them with my paltry salary.”

“Senior citizens being abandoned breaks my heart but what can I do?”

Self-defeating statements that start with purpose and end with doubt.

Remember the first time you tied your shoelaces to get back on your fitness journey? Or that one time you purposefully walked in for that new job interview? Or gave that cute person in your circle of friends a hint of how much you liked them?

There is always a first time. And sometimes finding the motivation to work towards a cause is especially difficult because of lack of goal posts.

I have a basic but highly effective tried-and-tested formula:

Identify a cause close to your heart. For instance, my love for animals way surpasses what I feel for other species inhabiting the planet so if I were to be moved by some trending cause that had nothing to do with animals, I’d never be able to sustain my passion towards the cause.

Build a realistic commitment schedule. In the beginning, it will seem like you can give all your weekends to the cause but that may be just your enthu cutlet attitude. Step back and commit at least 2 days in a month. Then you won’t begrudge the cause and abandon it mid-way.

Set targets. Whether it is your time or money, set a target that you need to accomplish. It will keep you motivated to reach the next milestone.

This festive month let’s use our resources to build a longer table; not a higher fence.

Here’s to the festival of love and light! Happy Diwali in advance, Her Circle fam.