To Change the World, Start at Home

A few years ago, when I left formal employment at a Fortune 500 to pursue a career in social entrepreneurship, I had grand ambitions. I was going to build a billion-dollar business that would change the world. I was going to influence millions of people to reduce their consumption of animal products, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I was going to leverage my vast profits to fund modern schools, invest in other social entrepreneurial ventures and retire early, spending my twilight years as a writer. To borrow a phrase from Steve Jobs, I was going to make “a dent in the universe”. The scope of my ambition was global. Yet, I had overlooked the most critical foundation: myself.

During a particularly difficult time in my life, when I began to realize that wild ambition alone was not sufficient to make waves in the world, I read Epictetus’ Enchiridion. I learned about the concept of the concentric circles of responsibility. Imagine a small circle, surrounded by a larger circle, itself surrounded by an even larger circle, and so on. At the center lies ourselves—the core from which all else radiates. This innermost circle emphasizes personal growth, health, and self-mastery. My experiences taught me, rather painfully, that if this core circle is weak or neglected, every structure we build upon it risks collapsing.

I vividly recall the moment of my reckoning. My businesses had begun to falter. Sure, there were market conditions, a poor economy, team dynamics, and competition, which all played their role. But, I had failed to cultivate the personal skills and habits necessary for sustainable success, having focused all my attention on ambitious goals and ignoring the small things that were warning me of the impending downfall.

Facing ourselves and accepting that we are 100% responsible for our lives is a difficult, yet humbling thing. Acknowledging my own weaknesses and recognizing that I cannot change the world—the outermost circle of control—without first changing myself, became the catalyst for meaningful change.

I turned inward, embracing journalling as my primary tool for self-reflection and growth. Each page became a conversation with myself, helping me confront hidden assumptions, pinpoint blind spots, and recalibrate my goals. This disciplined practice not only fortified my inner circle but also became the foundation upon which I could confidently build outward.

As I nurtured myself, I naturally extended my responsibility to the next circle—my family. I realized that I couldn’t genuinely be present for my loved ones if I hadn’t first learned to be there for myself. This realization was subtle yet transformative. It reminded me that caring deeply for others begins with a commitment to personal integrity and self-care.

The third area of responsibility encompasses our communities. When I was engrossed in entrepreneurship, my community became little more than background noise. It was only after reassessing my priorities and cultivating a solid personal and familial foundation that I could genuinely engage with and contribute to those around me. Today, as an international civil servant working in these turbulent times, I have a newfound appreciation for what it means to serve others, and what it takes at an individual level to do this.

Beyond community lie broader responsibilities—our country and, ultimately, the world. This final circle was the one I initially thought to tackle before the rest. Given my earlier oversight, it’s hardly surprising that my attempt ended in failure.

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to realise that deep self-knowledge—what we need to learn, who we aspire to become—is paramount. Change and growth are continuous, and each expanding circle of responsibility demands new levels of self-awareness and adaptability. Life is precious, fleeting, and each moment calls for intentional living. We must clearly see where we stand within our concentric circles of responsibility, understanding precisely what life requires from us at every stage.

As you move through your own journey, dear reader, I invite you to visualize your own, unique, concentric circles of responsibility. Start at your core, strengthen it through introspection and personal growth, and gradually expand outward, enriching your family, community, and the world. It’s a delicate balance, demanding patience, perseverance, and humility, but you can do it. We all can. By becoming our best selves, we naturally radiate positive change into every sphere we touch.

Until next week,

Ric.