What Am I Going To Do With The Rest Of My Life?

Have you asked yourself that question? I hear it from people all the time. First, it was baby boomers eager to shift from success to significance at midlife. But, more and more, it's coming from young people just starting their careers. It's a question that has never seemed more important. "Tell me, what will you do with your one wild and precious life?" is how poet Mary Oliver phrased it.

One man's answer is astonishing.

Bill Drayton is the world's best-kept secret. Have you heard of him or the organization he started nearly thirty years ago, Ashoka? I confess that until recently I hadn't either. Yet Ashoka has helped millions of people around the world.

Bill had been a management consultant and lawyer, and could have carved out a lucrative career. Instead, he realized that he wanted to do something meaningful with his life. An idea began to grow in him - that there had to be a more effective way to solve social and environmental problems. What, he asked himself, if he could find people who had pattern-changing ideas - that is, revolutionary ways of thinking about problems? And what if these people also had the creativity and determination to realize their vision? And what - oh, the dream was getting big now - what if these ideas could be replicated by others? Well, then, change could really happen!

And so, Ashoka was born. To my mind, Ashoka is two organizations in one. It's a recruitment agency of sorts, in that it goes out to find these people. And it's also like a venture capital firm, in that it invests in "fellows" to help their ideas take off.

(If you want to read more than this thumbnail of Bill's story, visit the Ashoka site, and check out How to Change the World, by David Bornstein.)

One example. Ashoka just announced a new group of fellows. Manuela Richter-Werling has developed a preventative program for schools - to help eliminate the harmful taboo placed on mental illness. Her big idea is to shift the focus of students and teachers from psychological "problems" toward something she calls "mental fitness". Her smart, simple approach has already spread to 35 schools across Germany and will, with this news, go global. Read more about Manuela's big idea about prevention.

Ashoka now operates in countries around the world - at last count it was 60, including right here in North America. And there are more than 2000 fellows. (Clearly my shocking lack of awareness hasn't slowed them down!) But that's only part of what they're up to. When I first heard about Ashoka, I pictured a bunch of gifted people doing good works on the four corners of our planet - in isolation. But the organization also connects fellows to one another, so that they can exchange ideas, and figure out how to advance social change farther, faster. Let's say that there are 350 fellows around the world working on different aspects of global warming. Put them in touch with one another and, bingo!, bigger, better ideas emerge.

Cool, huh?

And, best of all, Ashoka is open source. Open sourcing is an essential element of Bill's big, brilliant idea. On the one hand, he's been incredibly selective in choosing a small (if ever-growing) group of people he can help directly. On the other hand, he's throwing the doors open wide so that everyone can be part of this work.

What the fellows are doing is there for all the world to see - and bring back to our organizations and communities. And Ashoka has also created a portal called Changemakers where the fellows and mere mortals like you and me can interact. You'll meet people who are doing good works every day and who can help you bring your big idea to life.

When Bill and I were chatting this summer, I asked him if he forsees a day when we can all bring these pattern-changing ideas into our organizations. That, for instance, when I give a speech about the New Radicals and talk about these ideas, people get really excited but say that their company would never go for it. He replied, "Oh, they're absolutely starting to. Corporate presidents know that the choice now is to go the way of Detroit or Silicon Valley. And that those who don't head in the right direction won't be able to recruit and retain the Changemakers who are essential to their future." If you think he's wearing rose-coloured glasses, check out an Ashoka-Exxon initiative to help women in developing countries that proves his point.

Bill didn't want this column to be about him. He's a typical New Radical that way - self effacing, and eager to shine the spotlight on the work that's being done, rather than himself. But I felt that I had to start the Ashoka story with his. By the way, to get a sense of the man, check out this video.

This fall, I'm going to write about some of the Ashoka fellows and share how they've answered life's ultimate question. In the meantime, you might like to visit the sites and read David's book -- it's a great guide for anyone eager to make a difference in this lifetime.

How have you answered this big question? What do you want to do with the rest of your life? Please share what you're thinking about, or what you're doing, by commenting below. As always, I invite you to email me directly at julia (AT) wearethenewradicals (DOT) (COM).

Julia Moulden is on tour, talking about the New Radicals.

 

 

Comments

[TryChange]

What a great organization. I will contact them to tell them the story behind Try Change.

Thanks!
Vince

[laikhuram]

Thank you for this article.

I have actually read David Bornstein's book How To Change The World. I must say Bill Drayton is doing what other self acclaimed philanthropists must be doing if they are really serious about building a sustainable society.

Blindly wiring a billion dollar to Robert Mugabe's account in Africa in the name of philathrophy isn't going to help develop Africa (Zimbabwe) or its people in any way. Or, pumping millions and millions into organizations like Red Cross or Oxfam wouldn' t bring about change in this world either.

If one is really serious about bringing change one needs to be serious oneself and think and act like an entrepreneur. If managing a corporation is so difficult, managing the world is going to be thousand (or more) times more difficult. It is no wonder that Drayton took it slowly and very carefully going about choosing the right kind of people before he pumps his money. Social Change is not about pumping money you see.

I am hoping that some day I'd be able to play my part in bringing educational equity in my part of the country- the troubled, neglected and underdeveloped north eastern part of India too. May be Drayton would recognize me an make me an Ashoka fellow then. Until then, I am dreaming on...

[mlaiuppa]

I have no ambition at all.

When I finally retire I want to do nothing. I want to cook home cooked meals for myself to get my health in order. I want to pull weeds and plant flowers to get my yard in order. I want to clean my house and put everything where it belongs. I want to get out seasonal decorations and enjoy the holidays in my own house.

I want to spend time playing with my dog.

I want to quilt and needlepoint and crochet. I want to make every tunisian afghan pattern I have.

I want to watch TV.

I want to read every book I have and more that I buy.

I want to destress. I want to have time for me.

I want to do nothing.

[Gnrshrtd]

I'm a closet fan of Bollywood and you had me when you mentioned Ashoka - and how appropriate that this project is named after his shining example.

I'm not very ambitious - I don't expect to leave a remarkable legacy. I have found that, now that I have the means, my energy goes into volunteer work. For one thing, I am comfortable enough and there are so many who are in difficulty - and whether through their own fault or not, they need a helping hand.

There is a selfish reason for the time I spend volunteering: I meet the right kind of people, or rather the kind of people who set an example for me to follow - compassionate people who appreciate a sense of community.

How do I want to spend the rest of my life? Thinking over your article and others comments, I guess for now in community.

[Julia Moulden - Huffpost Blogger]

Yes, I didn't even get a chance to mention what Ashoka means or comes from! It means "actove absence of sorrow" and Ashoka was one of history's most creative and global-minded leaders (what little we in the west know of South Asian history!).

Volunteering has a long and proud tradition and is a fantastic way to make a difference.

And, yes, New Radicals often report that they meet the very people they want in their lives as they begin doing good works -- which is what you've discovered, too.

[ImissBush]

well 2morrow is the 1st day of the rest of ur life

so read fast

[PatricefromNH]

Well, I’m not one of the “young ones” struggling to define my life’s mission. I just turned 55 this week and I know exactly what I am going to do with the rest of my life because I’ve been preparing for it for the past two years. One serious social problem that is evolving is the physical decline of my baby boomer generation. Health care reform is only one ingredient to improving quality of life as we age, what may be far more important is changing the boomer mindset to adopt a preventative lifestyle. Why? Studies show that there simply won’t be enough doctors and health care providers to supply the care the boomer elderly will need. A lifelong entrepreneur, my final goal is to create an enticing, sustainable and reproducible model that encourages baby boomers to choose a healthier lifestyle now in order to minimize the need for nursing home care later. I never heard of Ashoka, thank you for bringing attention to it. Inspiration is so important !

[Julia Moulden - Huffpost Blogger]

Absolutely agreed! We boomers need to take care of ourselves for all kinds of reasons. You're onto something -- please keep us posted on developments.

[redstateblue]

Your column frightens me, in a good way. Worry about my financial future keeps my nose to the grindstone. When I stop to catch my breath, sometimes I wonder if there isn't more to life. I admire people who throw caution to the wind and follow their passion. Still, I'm a cautious person by nature and, if I'm going to have a passion in this life, I haven't found it yet.

I look forward to following the links in this week's column and to reading next week's.

[Julia Moulden - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks for your honesty. When people ask me if New Radicals isn't just for risk takers, I say that it's a continuum from wild to mild. There are all kinds of ways to make a difference.

[ChelseaC]

I don't think about it anymore. I am very sick so I take it one day at a time.

[Julia Moulden - Huffpost Blogger]

Sorry to hear you're not well. Please keep reading and we'll keep sharing stories.

[sokolof]

Thank you for making this news available. I have always thought of social entrepreneurship or non profit to be part of social change agent. I studied Microbiology in under grad and now I just completed my Masters academic work in Sustainable Development. The idea is to combine my career in both Microbiology and development. I have not quite put my finger on it what is it that I want to create based on these two fields besides of course what is out there. I am still brainstorming. I did think of Ashoka and perhaps connecting with Ashoka might help direct my ideas. Thank you I will check the website more seriously this time. I would like to however bridge the gap between the developed and developing world in making a difference.

[Julia Moulden - Huffpost Blogger]

Fantastic! I'll bet that Changemakers will put you in touch with other people who are thinking similar thoughts. Keep us posted...

[skrelnick23]

Hey Sokolof, Tyler here from Changemakers. When you said microbiology and sustainable development, I instantly thought of the VAST universe of public health. We have a host of health related (and soon venturing into science) organizations that is a part of our roster of social innovation. Let me know if you need help in finding some interesting organizations on our site. www.changemakers.com

And a huge shout out to Julia for keeping inspiration alive and helping to spread the word!

[jbarilla]

I have not thought of my "big idea" just yet. Just this past summer, I decided that I wanted to obtain a Master of Humanities degree and then begin teaching at the college level while I work on my pHD. Somewhere along the way, I'd like to write a book or two. Graduating in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology,I know I am someone eager to get involved with serious social change.

[Julia Moulden - Huffpost Blogger]

Fantastic! Good to see that the humanities are coming back. Keep checking Ashoka and Changemaker sites -- you're bound to connect. And please read next Saturday's column -- I'm writing about something you can plug into right now that will help make a difference!

[sweetwhine]

Reading your responses to people comments has taught me on thing about you.....you're very sweet. Thank you.