Why is it that when some ideas come along that have the potential to have a huge impact in the world, that impact never materializes?

The Hunger Site was launched in 1999 and in that year 3 million kilograms of food were donated to hungry people just because people showed up on their website (thehungersite.com). Advertisers exchanged food for services. In 2000, 9.5 million kilograms were donated. In 2005, it had dropped to 2.7 million kilograms. If the pattern holds it will be up to 4.8 million kilograms this year. Why the fluctuation? Only about 100,000 people click each day. It cannot be that there are only that many people in the world that care if hundreds of thousands of people go hungry tonight. And why would one donate for a while and then stop? Did we end hunger and starvation and I miss the celebration? Could it be that we are not disciplined enough to really solve the greatest of our humanitarian tragedies?

When the movie “Stand and Deliver” was released, I truly thought that the issue of defining inspired teaching was handled forever. Respect (love) the students, involve parents, be inspired about possibility, anticipate opposition, be 200 percent prepared, require disciplined behavior – love your subject. Not complicated, right? Jamie Escalante didn’t think so. Results?

His students tested so high in the rigorous Advanced Placement exams that they were suspected of cheating by the Educational Testing Service, which didn’t believe that poor barrio students had the ability to pass any college-level test.

He believes in helping students find in themselves ganas, a desire that must emerge from within, which allows them to overcome all barriers.

“Today, I continue to enjoy successes which I can attribute to one powerful lesson I learned from Mr. Escalante: ‘You can do anything you want to, its easy, the hardest part is that you have to believe you can do it, the rest is a piece of cake.”

Steve Robles, Former Student,

Vice President, LaCuracao

“What is most remarkable about Jamie is that even as his ‘fame’ grew he never lost sight of his underlying purpose: working to have children believe in their ability to achieve at the highest levels and providing them with the instruction they needed to succeed.”

From the National Teachers’

Hall of Fame

If we are able to identify the ingredients of creating inspired environments, why don’t we do that on a regular basis? In schools? In business? In government? How many people do you know who are really interested in and excited about what they do?

From my perspective, “Pay It Forward” is another spectacular idea. I liked the movie and I love the concept. A couple of million people saw the movie. It was not a commercial success. There is no formal “pay it forward” movement. There are pockets of activity and the idea didn’t catch on. It is a simple idea; practice generous acts of kindness. Once you are the recipient of such kindness, or spontaneously, do the same for others. “Do unto others what you would have done to you?” Clearly not a new concept.

So what is going on? Why don’t these ideas catch on? Are they not good ideas? Actually, though it is simply my opinion, they are great ideas. Ending hunger (The Hunger Site), inspired teaching (Jamie Escalante) and random acts of kindness and generosity (“Pay It Forward”), what’s not to like here?

There are two possibilities. We use all the right words: make a difference, count, “Ask not what your country can do for you! Ask what you can do for your country.” Could it be that we simply don’t really believe we can create a society where kindness, generosity and dignity are the benchmarks for success?

The other alternative is the issue of discipline.

A few nights ago, I was able to see most of the movie, “March of the Penguins.” Aside from its breathtaking photography, it is a lesson in the commitment of some in the animal kingdom to the survival of their young In order for their babies to survive (and more than half will not), the male and female parents endure dramatic and death threatening disciplines without the thought of giving up on their young. Mothers march seventy miles to the sea at least three times in the rearing of their offspring looking for nourishment. Some, given other sea predators and the journey itself, never make it back. The males huddle together to endure 60 degree below zero temperatures, in 80 mile an hour winds, holding their offspring balanced on their feet and tucked under their bellies for warmth. Any contact between the egg and the ground is certain death.

The film struck me as incredible, a possible requirement for all young people before they reach the age of majority. A lesson in discipline, endurance, commitment, perseverance – love. Is it that we care less about our children? Is it not important for potential parents to be grounded, well in themselves, before they take on the responsibility of another human life? Or, if it is important, what are we doing to bring it about? Could it be that we simply lack discipline?

It is because we have at the present moment everybody claiming the right of conscience without going through any discipline whatsoever that there is so much untruth being delivered to a bewildered world.

Mahatma Gandhi

We are approaching a new year and with it, the possibility of recommitment to goals and objectives we consider to be important. In light of that which could be done, it might be well for us to make no simple resolutions we have no intention of keeping.

What is it you would truly like to accomplish this year? How do you want to be with your children? With your significant other? What will you do every day to make sure you are disciplined in your actions? What truth will you speak to the world that immediately surrounds you? Will it be consistent? Loving? Kind?

We invite you to make yourself a magnificent year!