There are times when the world feels overwhelmingly complex and even outright unfair. I’m one of those people who occasionally sees it as a “messed-up world.” Living in this kind of society as a “messed-up person,” I often feel crushed by a sense of helplessness, sinking into the shadows beneath my own feet. Yet, even in such moments, there remains a small flame within me—a desire to “do something, even just a little, for society,” “to make a positive difference in someone’s life,” “to have a good impact on the world.”

But what does it mean to “make a positive impact”? At its core, I think it means that our words and actions, no matter how small, can spark a glimmer of hope in someone’s heart. Even a small warmth in their day, a slight lift in their step. And though my influence may be minor, I believe that if these good effects ripple out to others, little by little, the world can start shifting in a positive direction.

Honestly, though, it’s not like I’m always optimistic or upbeat. I have moments of self-doubt, times when I feel like a useless person plagued by my own faults and insecurities. My past failures still haunt me, and I often find myself standing before walls I just can’t seem to overcome. These are the times when I think of myself as a “messed-up person.” Yet maybe, just maybe, it’s precisely because of my own struggles and flaws that I can empathize with the pain, dilemmas, and confusion others face. The path I’ve walked, the setbacks I’ve experienced, could actually give me something to offer others.

This wish to “make a positive impact” has become my motivation to grow. To genuinely help others, I first need to be in a stable state of mind, to be healthy myself. Even though I’m still struggling with self-doubt, this small wish has encouraged me to keep trying to become “a better version of myself” who can positively affect others.

Of course, I know there are countless challenges in this world that no single person can solve. Issues like poverty, discrimination, and environmental concerns—there are too many to list. Many of us may feel powerless against these enormous issues, tempted to give up hope. But perhaps this is why our small actions matter all the more. Even if we can’t cause massive change, making a small difference within our reach could be the first step toward a better world. Just thinking, “I want to have a good impact, however small,” changes my perspective and drives me forward.

In practice, “having a positive impact” doesn’t have to be anything grand. It could be as simple as sharing kind words with someone every day, genuinely listening to others, accepting differences, or showing appreciation. These small gestures might gradually create a warm environment around us, which in turn could spread to others. I believe in that.

None of us are perfect; we stumble, we make mistakes, and we carry our doubts and fears. But as long as we hold on to the wish to “make a positive impact,” the small kindness and warmth in our hearts will be drawn out and passed on to those around us. And with that, maybe one day, even this “messed-up world” we live in will begin to improve, little by little.