A Simple Recipe for How to Change the World (And How I Have Tried to Do So)

By Michael Stevens

“A Simple Recipe for How to Change the World” will inspire folks to act on their dreams; will motivate, inspire, encourage, and challenge people to be creative and submit ideas and not be silent and fear rejection, criticism, or ridicule. The book describes a simple recipe for how you can change the world—even if “your world” is just your home, community, or your workplace. If there ever was a time where innovation, new ideas were needed to improve our world, that time is now. Four stages in the evolution of an idea and the eight-step process, “Suggestions Made Easy,” will demonstrate how to get ideas adopted. The book chronicles examples for how, through a 30-year career the author sought to bring about change.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781663236609

Michael Stevens

Michael C. Stevens has bachelor and PhD degrees in biomedical engineering and has a special research interest in control of mechanical devices that support the heart. He has worked in cardiovascular research institutes in Australia and in the United States and is now employed by the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of New South Wales, the largest biomedical engineering school in the southern hemisphere.

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Copyright © 2022 Michael Stevens.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

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ISBN: 978-1-6632-3652-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-3660-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022904042

iUniverse rev. date: 04/04/2022

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Four Stages in the Evolution of an Idea

Chapter 3 Anticipate Push Back

Chapter 4 Suggestions Made while at the City of Hesperia

Chapter 5 Suggestions Made while at Mojave Water Agency

Chapter 6 Suggestions made while with First District County Supervisor Marsha Turoci

Chapter 7 Suggestions made while at the Gangs and Drugs Task Force

Chapter 8Suggestions made while at St. Mary Medical Center

Chapter 9 Suggestions made while with Adelanto Chamber of Commerce

Chapter 10 Suggestions made while with Victorville Chamber of Commerce

Chapter 11Suggestions made while with Victor Valley Community Services Council

Chapter 12 Suggestions made while with Desert Communities United Way

Chapter 13 Suggestions made while with the San Bernardino County Fair Board

Chapter 14 Suggestions made as a Member of Bible Baptist Church

Chapter 15 Suggestions made while a Candidate for City Council

Chapter 16 Suggestions made As A Private Citizen!

Chapter 17 Closing

About The Author

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

Do you know what it takes to change the world—an idea? An idea for a product (think, the cell phone), a service (think, Amazon, Facebook), or a program (think Weight Watchers). Of course, that is the easy part—producing the idea, how a person goes about developing the idea—that is what can determine if the world will be changed.

It may take a Rocket Scientist to develop the technology to send astronauts and satellites into space, but even a school drop-out has the capacity to be challenged, challenged to think, reason, and develop ideas whether simple or complicated. I am by no means a chef; I would not even consider myself a cook. However, I have been blessed with opportunities and experiences during my lifetime that I feel quite confident writing at least one recipe to share with the others.

This book describes a simple recipe for how you can change the world—even if "your world" is just your home, community, or your workplace. If there ever was a time where innovation, new ideas were needed to improve our world, that time is now. We are faced with an ever-changing world, with ever-changing circumstances that tests our patience, our confidence, our courage.

To feel confident about making suggestions we must first give ourselves permission to succeed—or to fail—and be driven by a strong desire to make a difference.

If there is one thing I cannot be accused of is being afraid to make suggestions, even if it means making suggestions that buck popular opinion or leave me feeling like the lone ranger. Let me clarify something first…throughout the book I use the terms suggestion, idea and proposal interchangeably because they are very synonymous. These suggestions are clearly identifiable throughout the book by the black background. I also want to make the distinction between a suggestion or idea and an invention.

An invention typically involves the action of inventing something, typically a process or device. An invention will undoubtedly come from an idea or suggestion, but an idea or suggestion will not necessarily lead to an invention. In all my years on this earth, I have never had, nor have I submitted an idea for an invention.

But I have developed a reputation for being creative, innovative, full of ideas. In the 1982 movie Nightshift with Michael Keaton playing the character Bill Blazejowski, he is described as a wheeler-dealer who throughout the movie is seen frequently recording new ideas into a Walkman cassette player.

Well, unlike Mr. Blazejowski, I did not take the time to record ideas that came to mind. Being somewhat of a pack rat, I did have the good fortune to have the presence of mind to save memos, emails, news articles and proposals which, by me having a ready source of material, enabled me to author this book.

This book will chronicle some—although not all—of the suggestions I have made throughout the years in my quest to live up to a personal slogan I developed for myself and had it enshrined on a plaque in July 1979:

Let me do what good I can, while I can,

And though I will die, my living will not have been in vain.

I have chosen to include both adopted and rejected suggestions because the purpose of the book is to chronicle a pattern of suggestions I have made that are designed to make a positive difference. In fact, there are more suggestions included that were rejected or not adopted than there are those that were. You might think this would lead to me being what I call the five D’s…demoralized, dejected, despondent, depressed, discouraged. I was not. I was, however, disappointed that I was not more persuasive or convincing.

I do not mean to malign or offend anyone…

This book is painfully honest. I say painfully because as I have stated, there are more examples of rejections of ideas and suggestions I have made than there are of those that were adopted. That hurts …for me to take the time to develop and submit an idea, only to be left in limbo as to why it was not adopted. But the book reveals something about my psyche…it is just my nature to take advantage of opportunities to make a difference or create opportunities and offer my input—at times whether my input is solicited or not.

I reference the fact that there were times where I was not given a reason why a particular suggestion was not adopted. If you knew my psyche you would know that I do not have a fragile ego and I accept the fact that just because I submit an idea does not mean that everyone or anyone will automatically agree with me. I also accept the fact that the organization or person to whom I submit an idea reserves the right to not reveal their reason(s) for rejecting the idea—and for what could be a variety of reasons…to not hurt my feelings, they simply forgot to provide a reason, other higher priorities, did not believe it was necessary to do so—who knows why? And I am okay with that.

Please realize the fact that I indicate I was not provided an explanation does not mean that I was trying to malign the organization or individual to whom the suggestion was given. I simply was being honest and felt compelled to provide a status regarding the suggestion(s) submitted, and to show you the reader that that is a reality that you can expect too—that there could be times where you may not receive a reply to a suggestion that you submit. But do not become one the five D’s…demoralized, dejected, despondent, depressed, discouraged. Later in this chapter I refer to being positive; pay attention and press on!

But the book is not about trying to show how successful—or unsuccessful—I was, it is to demonstrate that I had the confidence and courage to offer the suggestions and I encourage readers to have (or develop) the same kind of confidence.

I have been blessed and gifted in many ways; for me to advance new ideas and suggestions is my way to use my gifts to give back, to make a positive difference, in essence—to do good! In fact, the Bible commands us to do good: Galatians 6:10 reads: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Another scripture is sterner: James 4:17 reads: "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them."

The Bible also tells us if we do not use what the Lord has given us, it will be taken away (Matthew 25:14-30), and that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap").

I must admit—I was unaware of these various scriptures when I developed my personal slogan in 1979, for I had not become saved and a born-again Christian until April 1990.

One of the gifts the Lord has bestowed me with is the ability to use discernment, and as a result, I am able to effectively analyze, evaluate and assess. What I have done over the years is combine those strengths with another gift—my ability to effectively communicate verbally and in written form—and that is why I have been able to have the confidence and courage to continually make suggestions to again, do good.

Why am I sharing my collection of suggestions I have made over the years? I share them certainly NOT to brag or boast, but in part because I am enormously proud of the confidence and willingness to be courageous and to advance new ideas. But more importantly I want this book to inspire other dreamers out there; to motivate, inspire, encourage, and challenge people to be creative and not be silent and fear rejection, criticism, or ridicule.

This book will also serve as a testament to my legacy that I want my children and grandchildren to know. In fact, I dedicate this book to my children and grandchildren in the hope that they will seeks ways in which they too can use their time and talents to make a difference in this world.

There is no way that I can convey to my children and grandchildren the impact I have made in our communities over the years while trying to make a positive difference. It may seem monotonous that I have chosen to list so very many ideas, and yes, I could share only two or three suggestions and it would be perfectly clear what my approach is to change the world and demonstrate the process I used. But I share as many suggestions as I do to reinforce for my children and grandchildren that I have made a difference in a variety of ways, and that I was willing to take a chance and offer new ideas. I want the book to encourage all the readers to become dreamers.

Although I share quite a number of examples of suggestions that I have made over the years, the most important takeaway for readers is to realize that developing the confidence and courage to make suggestions is a process, but a process that does not take years to develop.

Think about it. All the advancements made by mankind the past 100-years, even longer, have come about because someone had an idea, someone had a suggestion and acted upon it. While neither of my ideas will be chronicled as part of the history of mankind, they do represent steps taken to influence a positive change in the world—the environment—in which I live.

By today’s standards, some of the ideas may seem archaic, but at the time they were presented they were timely, relevant and some cases, necessary.

Pay particular attention to the variety of suggestions. Some are simple with minimal impact to my world, while others have provided significant (although sometimes hard to calculate) benefit.

In an editorial in the Victorville, California daily newspaper Sunday Press Dispatch January 31, 2016, the late Editor Steve Hunt wrote this about me in a column he penned entitled: We are who we elect (http://www.vvdailypress.com/article/20160130/NEWS/160139995)

…"Meanwhile, one of the best candidates of the bunch, in my opinion, couldn’t get elected to the Victorville City Council. Michael Stevens, to me, presented the best ideas of any City Council candidate on the November 2014 ballot. He had concrete ideas that would have made Victorville better, including his Property Improvement Program to help residents improve their landscaping to help boost the appearance of the city.

Somehow, he got beat. It was truly a shame, because Mike is the type of leader we need more of up here. I thought so much of him that I asked him to be the first community member of our Editorial Board. He accepted and was everything I expected him to be and more — articulate, intelligent, level-headed, and able to weigh tough issues and come to good decisions.

I firmly believe the High Desert never will become all that it can until we get better leaders in office — in all of our cities and in all of our school districts and community service districts…"

This public endorsement meant a lot to me because it was validation that my ideas had merit and would result in a positive outcome. One must be positive and believe their idea(s) will work. Without the ability to be positive—not just think positive—but to be positive, you will not feel comfortable about developing new ideas or making new suggestions.

Mister Hunt’s comments were also important to me because he echoed what I believed then and still today…leaders need to be positive and show bold, creative leadership which includes the confidence to advance new ideas.

In my book "Make Sure Your Shirt Has Buttons," I wrote about the importance of being positive. Anyone who dares to suggest exhibits confidence and positive thinking—otherwise why suggest if you believe it will fail or be rejected? If you believe a suggestion has no chance for adoption or acceptance…why present it?

How many times have you had a suggestion, but did not offer it because you were too afraid that it might be rejected, or that someone might criticize you, ridicule you or even make fun of you for making such a suggestion and you therefore withheld doing so? For those who have been or are hesitant and reticent about offering new ideas, let me provide encouragement about being positive with a few excerpts of examples from one of the buttons in my book "Make Sure Your Shirt Has Buttons."

MAINTAIN A POSITIVE VERSUS NEGATIVE ATTITUDE

As children we learn to either become optimistic or pessimistic, to think positive or think negative. Although we might be predisposed to become one or the other because of our family circumstances and surroundings, we are not necessarily born a positive or negative thinker. It is a learned behavior.

Regardless of how we are taught to be as we are growing up, we have the power to change along the way because being a positive or negative thinker is a choice. Disappointments, frustrations, and failures can all contribute to us being negative thinkers.

Let me share a few excerpts of examples to show how we have a choice about viewing life positively or negatively. I like pastries, pies, cakes, cookies, and doughnuts. I remember years ago the first time I heard of carrot cake. Someone brought a carrot cake to work and because I had never heard of it and therefore never tried it, I immediately became negative and refused to have any. I thought, oh how gross, who would put carrots in a cake? That’s like putting broccoli in a cake. I thought there were big chunks of carrots in the cake and that it might taste like carrots.

So, immediately thinking negative, I declined to have any of the carrot cake. After being prodded mercilessly by my co-workers to try a piece, I gave in. But first I asked myself, What’s the worst thing that could happen if I tried it? It would taste badly, and I could spit it out and not eat anymore.

Well, I tried the carrot cake and guess what? It was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. But I never would have discovered that had I allowed myself to continue thinking negatively about carrot cake.

What are you missing because you are not willing to try something because you are thinking negative – a date, trying for a promotion, learning a new skill, or a new hobby?

Another example that comes to mind is when I was in high school and enrolled in a typing class. I vividly recall my first class. I expected the letters on the keyboard to be like the letters above a classroom chalkboard—in sequential order. As I sat down at my typewriter, I was shocked to see the keys scrambled across the keyboard.

I immediately began thinking negatively, telling myself, I’m never going to learn how to type, how can I with the letters placed as they are? Well, I eventually learned how to type. It took a while and was difficult, but difficult because I kept telling myself it was difficult and that I could not learn! What helped me persevere and eventually learn was the knowledge that my sisters and brothers had learned by taking the same class.

A few years ago, I experienced an involuntary job change, having worked for an elected official who chose to retire. Her retirement effectively retired her staff. Lucky for me, I was able to find a job quickly, in fact, the job came to me. But it resulted in a $400 per month net reduction in salary.

It did not take long for my family and me to begin to have difficulty keeping up on our obligations. Our financial problems increased, not because of fiscal mismanagement but because of the reduction in salary.

We have never lived an extravagant lifestyle (and still do not), so we did not have to worry about how to keep the lodge in Lake Arrowhead or the yacht at Mission Bay. All we were trying to do was meet our basic needs and obligations but doing so became increasingly difficult.

In the three-year period between 1996 and 1999 after I changed jobs, we tried everything we could to stave off bankruptcy. It did not help that during the same time the IRS and state’s Franchise Tax Board claimed that we underpaid our taxes and wanted immediate payment.

It was very difficult trying to remain positive when creditors were demanding payment, and it seemed that everything we tried was not good enough to keep up. But we had to be positive. We chose to believe that things were going to get better.

We stayed away from saying things like, It can’t get any worse, and instead chose positive statements like, It’s got to get better. And yes, despite filing for bankruptcy, things did get better. We knew that our financial difficulties were not the result of our fiscal mismanagement, but rather, an involuntary job change.

So, despite the shame and embarrassment of filing bankruptcy, our course of action was to demonstrate that we could once again restore our credit and have an impeccable credit history as we had had in the past. And we have.

My point is that no matter how low you may have gotten in your life, until and unless you think positively and act positively, things will not get better. There will be things we have to contend with in life that are beyond our control. The involuntary job change was not within my control, but how I reacted and responded to the change was within my control. Whatever the circumstance, whether within or beyond your control, remember that how you respond is within your control.

Sometimes being able to look at a negative circumstance from a positive perspective can make the negative not seem as bad. My car was the victim of random violence when one night someone smashed the windshield on my Cadillac Seville. I felt terrible, wondering why I was singled out?

But even though I had to have the windshield replaced and had to be without a car for almost two days, I chose to look at the incident from a positive perspective.