"If you're changing the world, you're working on important things. You're excited to get up in the morning"

Changing the world means you're doing something significant. Imagine waking up every day feeling pumped because you know what you're doing matters. It's that simple. When your work has the power to impact others, it gives you a sense of purpose and excitement that makes getting out of bed easier.

Think back to the Silicon Valley boom in the early 2000s. Innovators like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk were not just building companies; they were revolutionizing industries. Jobs wasn't just creating computers—he was transforming how we communicate and interact with technology. Musk isn't just making cars; he's pushing the envelope on sustainable energy and space exploration. They got up every morning with a fire in their belly because they knew their work could change lives.

Now, let's take a real-life example. Look at Malala Yousafzai. She stood up for girls' education rights in Pakistan, a place where that wasn't just frowned upon—it was dangerous. After surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban, she didn't back down. Instead, she became even more determined. Malala’s work has inspired millions and led to significant changes in global education policies. Every day, she continues her fight, driven by the knowledge that her efforts can shape the future for countless young girls.

Feeling that kind of excitement doesn't always mean you have to be on the evening news or have a billion-dollar company. You could be a teacher, inspiring kids to love learning; a doctor, helping people live healthier lives; or even a community organizer, making your neighborhood a better place to live. The key is that what you do feels meaningful to you and to others.

So, how do you bring this wisdom into your own life? Start by identifying what you care about deeply. What issues or problems in the world nag at you? What makes you feel energized and motivated? Once you have that, look for ways you can contribute, even if it's in a small but significant way. Maybe you can't cure diseases, but you can volunteer at a local clinic. Maybe you can't stop climate change overnight, but you can start a recycling program at your workplace.

To illustrate, think about Jane. She’s a graphic designer who loves animals. Jane felt dissatisfied with her day-to-day job, so she began volunteering at a local animal shelter, creating promotional materials to help dogs and cats get adopted. This side project gave her so much joy that she eventually turned it into a full-time role, working for a non-profit dedicated to animal welfare. Now, every morning, Jane wakes up knowing she's making a difference, and that drives her to put her best foot forward.

Ultimately, it's about finding what lights your fire and then fanning those flames. When you work on things that can change the world, even in the smallest of ways, you give your life more meaning. Suddenly, the alarm clock becomes less of a dreaded sound and more of a starting whistle for another day of possibilities. And who wouldn't be excited to get up for that?