The Activist for Activists. Author of Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism and The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World. Teacher, Psychologist, Environmental Activist, Animal Lover.
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Last Updated on January 17, 2025
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the number of issues needing solutions? Or, have you struggled to turn your passion into meaningful action?
If so, you’re not alone.
People who care tend to care about many issues. But the downside of caring is that you can get pulled in too many directions. And, without focus, your passion can quickly fizzle out.
The Importance of Focused Passion
Passion is the driving force behind activism. It fuels your determination, guides your actions, and sustains you through challenges. But, to make a real impact, you need to focus your passion. This concentrated effort will allow you to dive deeper, gain expertise, and create meaningful change.
Narrow Your Focus
Learn the importance of narrowing your focus in the video “Focus Your Passion.”
I love the quote in this video.
Great acts are made up of small deeds. – Lao Tzu
This quote illustrates the idea of an activist as being one part of an overall movement. Accepting that we cannot change everything allows us to understand that the success of a movement is made up of many people using many skills in many different ways.
Research shows that focused efforts yield more significant results. By channeling your energy into a specific aspect of an issue, you can:
- focus on your values,
- develop deeper expertise,
- make your activism manageable,
- achieve better impact for your loved ones and community, and
- feel joyful.
Jack’s Story: How to Turn Your Passion Into Action
Growing up in a predominantly white community, Jack had always been aware of the subtle undercurrents of racism that pervaded his surroundings. As he grew older, this awareness turned into a desire to change things. But he found himself overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the problem. How could he, one person, make a meaningful difference? And how could he manage activism while fulfilling his responsibilities as a parent?
One evening, after putting his children to bed, Jack sat down with his wife, Emily, and voiced his concerns. “I just feel so powerless,” he admitted. “There’s so much that needs to be done, and I don’t even know where to start.”
Emily replied, “Why don’t you start small? Focus on something that directly affects our community and our kids. That way, you’ll make a difference and set an example for them.”
Jack pondered her words. Then, he remembered a troubling conversation he had overheard at a recent school board meeting. There had been discussions about removing certain aspects of the history curriculum, particularly those related to slavery and the civil rights movement. The justification was that these topics were “too sensitive” for young minds. Jack knew that erasing history was not the solution; understanding it was crucial to fostering a more inclusive and empathetic community.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Jack reached out to other parents, educators, and local activists who shared his concerns, and together, they formed a coalition dedicated to preserving the integrity of their children’s education.
Jack found ways to balance his activism with other aspects of his life. He would draft emails to the school board while his kids did their homework, and he would attend meetings and rallies with Emily by his side, sometimes even bringing their children along to teach them the value of standing up for what was right. Their efforts began to pay off.
By focusing his efforts on a local cause he deeply cared about, Jack found a way to make a difference in a way that fit his life.
Turning Passion into Action
Fueled by passion and urgency, many new activists leap into action without adequate preparation. While admirable, this approach often leads to burnout and dropout. Where every voice matters, we can’t afford to lose motivated individuals. Instead, channel that initial passion into a sustainable, effective approach.
The 5-Step Activism Path
In my book, The Happy Activist (formerly What’s On Your Sign?) I guide you through the five steps of the Activism Path. Although it may be tempting to jump into your cause, I advise everyone to create their life vision first. This is important because your vision will act as a North Star for how you live your life.
To create your life vision, you examine your roles and values and create your bucket list. Then, you pull it all together with a vision of your ideal life.
Your Roles
Examine your roles because without looking closely at what you are doing now, you might take on roles that you don’t enjoy and don’t help you live your values. Being an activist is only one role you play in life. Having a distinct focus helps you fulfill the essential roles and rid yourself of those not part of your vision.
Your Bucket List
Yes, that bucket list—the experiences you wish to have before you ‘kick the bucket.’ Why? Because these are experiences that are profoundly motivating to you. And you may be able to build them into your activism!
Your Values
Reflect on what truly matters to you. What issues keep you up at night? What changes do you most want to see in the world? Understanding your fundamental values will help guide your focus.
Find The Cause Closest to Your Heart
Step 1 on the Activism Path helps you pinpoint the cause closest to your heart. The next steps help you match your gifts to effective and impactful activism opportunities.
Remember, your passion is a powerful tool—channel it wisely, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a happy and effective activist.
Announcement
In addition, The What’s On Your Sign? Workbook has also been updated and renamed The 5-Step Activism Path Workbook. This workbook is meticulously designed to provide readers with actionable steps and exercises that align with The Happy Activist. It’s the perfect tool for anyone looking to deepen their engagement and make a more meaningful impact.
To support educators and community leaders, I have developed a Common Core-aligned Teacher’s Guide. This resource provides lesson plans, activities, and discussion prompts to inspire and empower the next generation of activists.
READ NEXT
The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World
How To Create A Vision Of A Joyful Life
