We should all be crusaders.
I’ve been thinking about this for quite a bit of time now without being able to name it.
To clear up any improper implications that saying we should be crusaders means, I will begin by defining the term for you:
Crusade is defined by dictionary.com as any vigorous, agressive movement for the defense or advancement of an idea, cause, etc.
That’s the definition I want you to embrace.
Julien Smith writes about quitting the Internet for May to go on a hike through Spain.
Dean Karnazes is running across the United States to raise awareness about childhood obesity.
Peter Shankman is trying to beat himself into submission or to die trying to get in the best shape of his life.
All of these are crusades. In the case of Dean Karnazes, its a very public one. But, in the case of Julien or Peter, its a more private experience, one focused on them getting outside of their normal routines and driving themselves to achieve something that others might consider ridiculous or not worth trying.
Think about this, you don’t have to just crusade in your personal life either. You can crusade in every aspect of the world.
Here are a few ideas:
Do you have an idea at work that would help increase revenue or put your company ahead of the competition? Lead a crusade for the implementation of that idea.
Have you noticed that there are a lot of homeless kids in your neighborhood? Crusade for that idea by volunteering with a food bank, or with an organization that does street outreach.
Are you concerned about the direction of the school, government or some other public institute? Crusade for your beliefs. Go to a school board meeting, run for elected office, get involved in your political party or join a community board.
Now that I have listed a few ideas, how can you become a crusader? Or, what crusade are you going to lead?