Another chat and podcast episode. The topic of this one is something I’ve been living through. I am sure some of you will resonate. I’ll start with a reflection and share the links to our chat below. You can listen to the episode via the major podcasting service through those.
This changemaking passion is a double-edged sword.
First, it’s not something that you choose. You kind of have that in you. You can try to shut it up with a regular life and job, but have no illusion, the changemaking drive will find you. Especially living in times when the causes are plenty.
On the one hand, you are moved and inspired by something bigger. The spark and purpose are there that make life fulfilling.
On the other hand, it often leaves you poor. It can be exhausting and disappointing, as it feels like you are swimming against the current and the rules of leading a normal life.
What often emerges, which I know personally and also from quite a few conversations, is this bitterness.
“I am saving everyone, why don't they appreciate me, feel grateful, and start doing smth?”
I remember a couple of years into my Greenpeace time how it was getting hard to be with people.
You take in pains of the world in loads learning about environmental destruction, and dire potential consequences. You see people and places affected. You discuss it at lengths with passionate colleagues.
And boom - you feel like you are on this side of the fence. And most of the people, including family members are not. You get bitter, disappointed, tired from being always on and present to the many pains of the world.
I ended up leaving Greenpeace burnt out. And it took a while to see people who are not as passionate about the environment and change without the fence lens.
So, having a changemaker in you is not easy. And since changemaking often finds you without asking, how nice it would be to know the how behind it that doesn’t involve burning out.
Some of my favourite moments in the conversation with Nico were about the hows behind that.
A couple of quotes by Nico from our chat:
"Joy is the fuel. Without it, you burn out."
"You need community—people who understand what you’re holding."
"Your biggest asset is yourself. If you burn out, no problem will be solved."
"Progress isn't just metrics—it’s also how the work feels inside your body."
"Prioritize your health—mental and emotional—because the work depends on it."
"I realized I had to reconnect with why I started. That meant doing the inner work."
Would put my signature under all of them! ✍️
You can’t change the world by being a victim. By taking away joy and magic from your life. By soaking in all the pains of the world. By going it alone. By always thinking about results.
And when you find moments of joy in life as it is, when you are connected to people and beings, creating change becomes contagious. People want in instead of pulling away.
So, how about having a laugh with a friend instead of getting done with the checklist?
Or one of my favourites - hugging a tree! Seriously, try it, and there will not be going back. Some how’s for you, that I shared here a while ago.
And here is one more tip from Nico and the link to our chat:
So, let’s create some stories together!
📕Mine could sound smth like this.
There was a flower once, known among English-speaking humans by the name Borage. The name is thought to derive from the Celtic borrach or “courage.”
The flowers have long been used to bolster courage, and in medieval times were embroidered on the mantles of knights and jousters to bring them courage.
One summer, Borage decided to pay a visit to Yulya’s garden, sprouting in numbers that made her speechless. What is it that Borage is trying to say to Yulya? haha;))
What story is wanting to be told by you at the moment? I’d love to hear if you’d care to share.
Episode 3: On inner work as the foundation of changemaking
About Nico Spreng
Nico is a young sustainability strategist whose career has taken him from ESG manager to startup founder, and who is now focusing on regeneration. Having gained personal experience of 'corporate sustainability', he is passionate about addressing our nested crises with a more regenerative, systemic approach. He is now building communities to bridge talented individuals for real-world problems. He will soon join an NGO in Tanzania to help establish regenerative communities on the ground.
Ways to further explore together:
Listen to my podcast!
Alternating guided somatic experiences with lightly edited conversations with people whose passion for making this world a better place you are guaranteed to sense! Check it out here.
Come on a breath walk with me!
Join my old-fashioned private email list for exclusive experiment invites and ongoing events.
Outdoor sessions for systemic thinkers
Take your team on an inspiring regenerative outdoor adventure. Where breakthroughs happen without being forced. Let’s chat to see if we are a fit.
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