The Key to Real systems change

The Current State of Systems

The world has seen massive upheavals in recent years, especially during and after COVID-19. Many countries are struggling to move forward, and people are looking for leaders who can transform outdated systems to improve their quality of life.

Unfortunately, these systems — built to serve a select few at the top — are often corrupt, inefficient, and destructive. They drain resources and leave developing countries like ours struggling even more.

For decades, leaders have promised change, but the results are often disappointing. Poverty persists, and progress is slow. Each time, we place high hopes on a new leader, expecting them to fix everything. But can we rely solely on leadership?

The Bigger Picture

When we notice problems in government or public services, we tend to blame leaders. “Why isn’t the government fixing this?” we ask.

But have we ever stopped to question our own role? Can broken systems that have been in place for decades change overnight just because we demand it?

These systems are made up of people — from top officials to junior workers. If corruption, laziness, and inefficiency exist at every level, how can any leader fix it all at once?

The reality is, change is a massive task. It requires updating laws, appointing capable leaders, and holding everyone accountable. Leaders are not magicians. They need time — and our cooperation — to make meaningful progress.

A Shared Responsibility

Blaming leaders alone won’t solve anything. Responsibility lies with all of us.

If we truly want to see change, we must begin with ourselves. It’s about how we live, how we work, and how we treat one another.

For example:

• If I don’t litter or damage public property, I contribute to a cleaner environment.

• If I do my job responsibly, I help improve the workplace.

• If I treat others with kindness and fairness, I create a better community.

This is inner transformation — changing ourselves first. It’s not about others; it’s about becoming better individuals. When more people make this shift, society changes naturally.

Inner Transformation: The Key to Lasting Change

Here’s the truth: outer changes in the world are often temporary because they depend on control. Laws, rules, and regulations force people to behave a certain way, but they don’t necessarily change their mindset. Many people simply find loopholes to escape these rules and continue acting selfishly or destructively.

For example:

• A person might follow traffic laws when a police officer is watching but break them the moment no one is around.

• Public property might remain clean as long as strict fines are in place, but as soon as enforcement weakens, vandalism or littering resumes.

This kind of forced change is fragile. It relies on constant supervision and control, which is exhausting and unsustainable for any society.

The only way to create permanent, lasting change is through inner transformation. When people change from within, they don’t need to be forced to do the right thing. They willingly live in a way that benefits themselves, others, and the world around them.

Why Inner Change Matters

My purpose in this post is to urge people to focus on their inner change — their spiritual change. This is a choice that each individual must make and put effort into achieving. Inner awakening is the key to changing ourselves and the world. It’s a balance: the more we change inside, the better the outside world becomes. It’s a cause-and-effect relationship, where the cause is inner transformation, and the effect is a beautiful, prosperous, healthy, and humane world.

Inner transformation is about aligning our actions with our values, not because we are afraid of punishment, but because we genuinely care. Over time, this inner change has the power to influence societal systems and structures. For example, when more people prioritize honesty and fairness, workplaces evolve into environments of mutual respect, leading to greater collaboration and productivity. Similarly, when individuals value and protect public property, communities become cleaner and more inviting, reducing the need for heavy enforcement.

This ripple effect of inner transformation gradually reshapes larger systems. Schools led by dedicated teachers who genuinely care about their students produce future generations who embody those same values. Governments composed of individuals who have undergone personal growth make decisions that benefit the people rather than serve selfish interests. In this way, lasting change flows from within individuals to the society at large, creating a world built on trust, compassion, and shared responsibility. It’s about choosing to:

• Respect public resources and spaces because we love our community.

• Treat others kindly because we recognize their humanity.

• Work diligently because we take pride in contributing to society.

When individuals live this way, the need for strict laws and heavy enforcement decreases. People act responsibly, not out of fear, but out of a sense of shared purpose and humanity. This is the foundation of a truly sustainable society.

Willingness vs. Control

True change happens when people willingly adopt better habits, not when they’re forced to obey rules out of fear. Enforced change, such as strict laws or heavy penalties, often leads to compliance out of necessity rather than conviction. For example, while laws might temporarily reduce littering, a truly clean environment emerges only when individuals take pride in their surroundings and act responsibly on their own. Voluntary change, on the other hand, is rooted in personal growth and understanding, making it far more sustainable. When individuals willingly choose to act in alignment with shared values, the resulting changes resonate throughout society, creating an enduring foundation of trust and cooperation.

In the past, rulers governed through fear and force. People obeyed because they were scared of punishment, not because they wanted to improve. This mindset — of blindly following authority — has been passed down for generations.

But today, we live in democracies. Leaders are elected to serve, not to dominate. Yet, many of us still place all responsibility on them without questioning our own actions.

The real question is:
Are we willing to take responsibility alongside our leaders?

A Call to Action

We’ve seen how outdated mindsets and behaviors hold us back. The solution isn’t just better leaders or stricter laws. It’s a collective effort where both leaders and citizens work together.

Yes, leaders have a role to play in building efficient systems, but we must also support them by changing our habits and attitudes. For instance, when citizens actively participate in recycling initiatives alongside government policies, it complements leaders’ efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Similarly, when communities organize volunteer clean-ups, they not only support urban beautification plans but also inspire others to join in. These actions amplify the impact of systemic changes, demonstrating how collaboration between leaders and citizens drives meaningful progress. Together, we can create a sustainable and humane system that benefits everyone.

Let’s stop pointing fingers and start taking action — both as individuals and as a society. That’s how we’ll achieve lasting change in 2025 and beyond.

Pavithra T LH💖🎶😁