The 51% Rule: A Simple Way to Make a Big Impact in the World

What to Do When You Finally Wake Up

Let’s start with the obvious: “Woke” has become a loaded term. But I still think waking up perfectly describes the moment when I realized everything shifted—when I realized life might be about more than just getting a good education, climbing the career ladder, raising a family, and collecting nice cars and homes like merit badges for living.

Don’t get me wrong—those things are valuable. But at some point, I realized there was a whole lot more going on beyond the bubble of what I’ll call the “World of Me.” Beyond personal success, there’s this deep, unshakable pull to contribute to the greater whole—to create a world I actually want my children to live in.

One stake at a time

But what could I do, really? Aside from donating more to charities, my life was jam-packed with what society tells us is important. And I cared about everything—from domestic violence to water policy, the plastic crisis, fossil fuel dependency, endangered species, outdated education systems, and the entire buffet of global suffering: war, slavery, pollution, starvation, and the paradox of obesity.

Honestly? It was overwhelming. I’d try to research a topic and end up closing the tab with depressed anxiety, already defeated.

But after years of soul-searching, book-devouring, and reality-rearranging, here’s where I’ve landed:

It all begins within.

As Jesus said, “Love one another as you love yourself.” Critical assumption not to skip over? Love yourself. Not in a narcissistic, selfie-fueled way—but in the grounded, oxygen-mask-first kind of way. Because when you deeply care for yourself, you build the energy and clarity to be truly of service to others.

I'm not suggesting you have to become a monk or martyr. Just follow your greatest excitement, act on it to the best of your ability, and let go of the outcome. If you’re not in a positive state—or you’re unsure what excites you—start exploring your beliefs. For me, that meant re-learning joy after an expansive career, shepherding four kids, and caring for aging relatives.

I’ll never forget the first time I went away by myself. I stood in the quiet and didn’t know what to do. There were no negotiations over snacks or sibling drama. Just… space. It was unnerving—and took some time to get used to not putting my excitement to the side.

That was the beginning. From there, I realized how much of my energy had been lost in activities and relationships that chipped away at my light. I had to clean house: inside and out. I had to level up my inner dialogue, evaluate what sparks my joy, establish boundaries with loving firmness, and face the fear of loneliness and change—even when the interior (and exterior) naysayers got loud.

Eventually, I created a process—a way to listen, act, and align. My purpose? Still unfolding. But now, it flows with ease and curiosity.

Unlock #1? I made it my goal that at least 51% of my actions each day were in service to others. That’s it. Super simple. The other day, I helped an elderly woman navigate a check-in kiosk. I let a driver cut in front of me (with a friendly smile not a curse—progress!). I called my Auntie, who hadn’t heard from anyone all week.

And when I see something I don’t prefer—like pollution—I just take one small action toward the world I do want. I bring gloves on my walk and pick up trash. That’s it. No need to start a B-Corp or write a manifesto (though, full disclosure, I might be doing both).

Right now, I feel most aligned quietly radiating what I’ve learned—and sharing the journey. Blogging feels like dropping gold flakes of alchemy into the river of the collective. And every once in a while, someone writes to say those gold flakes shimmered for them. That’s more than enough.

Am I finally clear enough to be working on something bigger? Yes. But I’m not rushing it. I’m taking one small, exciting step at a time—with zero attachment to the outcome.

Here’s the punchline:
If you feel called to “save the world” or “make a difference,” don’t wait for your grand mission to drop from the sky. Stop doom scrolling and bitching about something you don’t prefer. Just take one action toward the life and world you’d love to live in. Ask yourself at the end of the day:

🔥Did I take at least one step towards my highest excitement?

🤝Did at least 51% of my actions serve others?

If yes, you’re winning the game and allow the magic to unfold.