10 Ways to leave your mark on the world

Cindy Connold is a Dubai-based swimming teacher.

Be compassionate: Use your talent and time to set up or even just help a meaningful project for the less privileged.
It could be a ground-breaking undertaking like the Dhaka project, which was founded by flight attendant Maria Conceicao, or something closer to home like Riding for the Disabled.

Smile at people: It really does make a difference to people's lives. How many times has an unexpected smile from a stranger lifted your day, and conversely, how many times has an unnecessary grump managed to spoil a moment for you?

Be generous with your knowledge and encouragement: The mentor system is underrated. Everyone needs a pat on the back and most people are only too grateful for a bit of advice, if it is asked for. Give the knowledge freely.

Make the decision to be happy: All it takes is focusing on the good things in your life instead of the bad. Stop complaining and stay away from people who habitually complain – it's like a yeast and will grow to dominate your attitude to life.

Think big: Design a really iconic structure or building. You could also buy a large piece of land and make your own crop circles (geometric patterns created by the flattening
of crops such as wheat and barley).

Invent: Invent a machine that locates and disables landmines and cluster bombs or something that would improve people's lives as the telephone and light bulb did. Or, better still, discover a new species or a cure for a disease and name it
after yourself.

Get involved: We tend to stand on the sidelines and criticise things, like the school PTA, etc. If you're not happy with the way things are being done, get in there and change things from the inside. Take responsibility for your life and do some good for society while you're at it.

Protect the environment: Find a way to recycle plastic and render it harmless and biodegradable. Save water and electricity and encourage others
to go green.

Respect everyone's point of view: Once we accept that no matter how weird or wrong someone else's point of view may seem to us and that it makes perfect sense to them, we're on the track to truly meaningful negotiation and problem-solving. Of course, just to really give it a boost we could invent a pheromonal "peace potion" and spray it in the room.

Have the courage to support your convictions: Be true to yourself as long as it doesn't hurt others. Standing up for what one believes in can be very daunting at times, but very often, one is unconsciously stating the fears or points of view of others in a group and they are grateful to have a voice.