Quote of the day by Sudha Murthy: “We cannot change the world, but we can change ourselves”

Quote of the day by Sudha Murthy: “We cannot change the world, but we can change ourselves” (Image: @smtsudhamurty/Instagram)

Sudha Murthy, author and  philanthropist, is someone who has spent decades showing that small, consistent actions create big impact. Her quote, “We cannot change the world, but we can change ourselves,” feels simple, but it’s revolutionary; the world doesn’t have to be perfect to make an impression, you just have to start with you.

Be it her books or her involvement with communities, Sudha Murthy’s worksprove that a good change comes slowly, and it starts with you. She is a true example of practice what you preach.

What does the quote mean?

The world can feel overwhelming: climate issues, social injustice, inequality, plus the everyday life challenges, it’s a lot. The quote says that instead of stressing about what’s out of your control, focus on what’s in your hands, yourself. Changing how you think, act, and respond creates a ripple effect. When you grow, your influence grows. You inspire, lead, and impact without even trying to “fix everything.”

Also read | Quote of the day by Azim Premji: “If people are not laughing at your goals, your goals are too small”

Why personal change matters?

Self-transformation isn’t just about self-help, it’s the foundation for actual impact. Here’s why it’s important:

You gain control: The world, and the people around you may sometimes feel chaotic, but your mindset and actions are yours to manage.

You focus on small moves: Changing yourself, being kinder, learning more, acting intentionally, creates meaningful impact.

It gives you mental peace: Focusing on self-growth helps you deal with stress, burnout, and external chaos.

Teaches you to practice what you preach: Actions speak louder than words. When you evolve, people notice and follow your lead.

Also read | Quote of the day by Swami Vivekananda: “Talk to yourself once in a day..."

Lessons from Murthy’s quote

Sudha Murthy’s life proves that change starts within. Her wisdom teaches:

People around you and the world cannot be changed overnight. Start with yourself.

Make growth, a personal responsibility, not a pressure

Small steps are important. Also, your choices matter more than you know.

Self-change is contagious. What you become, encourages others to follow

How to change yourself

Daily reflection matters: Self-checks, writing down your thoughts, and journaling can help reveal your patterns. It helps you to make the necessary changes.

Start small: Rome was not built in a day. Change yourself one habit at a time. Begin with gratitude, focus, or learning a new skill.

Level up your mindset: Beware of what your mind consumes. Instead of choosing content that entertains you or exasperates you, choose those that challenge you.

Act intentionally: Picture the future version of yourself and make choices that align with the person you want to be.

Share your journey: Inspire people around you through personal experiences, stories, posts, or simple acts. People notice actions more than words.

Celebrate yourself, everyday: Make small changes and celebrate them. Growth is gradual, but it’s important to recognise even micro-progress.