This is the last part in the You Do It, Too series. I’m sure there’s quite a few of you ready to cheer about moving on to something else. For now, we look at problem-solving and change on the inside.

Last week, I gave you real examples of problems you create in your own business—all while complaining other people are doing the exact same thing.

We discussed how the irresponsible acts your employees commit are the exact same ones you are doing yourself.

Am I calling you a hypocrite?

Yep.

I know, I know. You’re busier. You’re more important. You have more responsibilities. It’s different. Yadda, yadda, yadda.

No, it isn’t.

You do it, too.

Of course, the challenges of the people below you look easy–that’s why they’re below you. You have more intelligence, skill, and/or awareness than they do. But that’s looking in terms of content. Change only happens when you look in terms of context.

Change on the outside happens as a result of change on the inside. Everything else is a workaround that eventually collapses.

Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but eventually.

This is only a problem if you’re in denial of it. If you accept it and face the challenge head-on, progress happens. In other words, you actually embody the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi:

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

What is not usually appreciated by this statement is the implicit assumption—if there’s something you don’t like in the world, you must be contributing to it somehow, and you should change that! But such a challenging statement would not have caught on like Gandhi’s oft-recited yet rarely embodied wisdom.

So, here’s my assignment for you. Each and every time you complain about something, ask yourself if you do the same thing, in any way shape or form. Really look.

If you do, be quiet and go to work on yourself. That’s problem-solving.

Want the president to release his tax returns?

How would like your last return’s audit to appear in the New York Times?

Okay with that? Then preach on! Not okay? Then be quiet until you clean up your act and start problem-solving.

And don’t make excuses. It seems to me that in one way our lying, cheating, irresponsible, and incompetent politicians are doing a pretty good job with their fundamental charge—to represent their constituents.

Want them to change?

Want anyone to change?

You first.

Want to change the world?

Great. Start with your world.

It’s the only one you can control.

Funny how we usually look there last.