Tag Archives: Impact

My wish isn’t to mean everything to everyone

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“My wish isn’t to mean everything to everyone but something to someone.”

—Oscar Wilde, 19th Century Irish poet and playwright

Image from Unsplash by NorWood Themes

When we compare ourselves to others, we often focus on how many of them are ahead of us.

By trying to make up ground and get to the front of the pack, we often spread our efforts very thin and rarely make the significant difference we intend.

Sometime when we try to go big we and others would be far better off if we stayed home.

EXERCISE:

How would focus on fewer relationships at home be far more impactful than going an inch deep and a mile wide?

“If something comes to life in others because of you, then you have made an approach to immortality.”

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“If something comes to life in others because of you, then you have made an approach to immortality.”

—Norman Cousins, 20th Century American journalist, professor, and world peace advocate

Image from Unsplash by Tsunami Green

What are your views on the concept of immortality? For many, the idea that death will come to each of us points to the precious gift and importance of living each moment to the fullest.

How we spend our time and who we spend it with is essential to have The Dash between our birth and death have extra meaning and impact.

Regardless of your faith and spiritual perspective on life beyond our physical world, we can all clearly contribute and impact others in our personal and professional communities. To live on in the fruits of others from the seeds we plant may be the primary purpose and reason for our lives.

EXERCISE:

What impact have you had or are you making in the lives of others?

Where are others sprouting strong roots, beautiful flowers, and sweet fruits due to your intentional contributions?

“It is very sad to me that some people are so intent on leaving their mark on the world that they don’t care if that mark is a scar.”

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“It is very sad to me that some people are so intent on leaving their mark on the world that they don’t care if that mark is a scar.”

—John Michael Green, American Author of Looking for Alaska

What constitutes a good day? What are the foundations of a good life? Where do you look when considering such questions?

Luckily, the research on such matters is extensive. Virtually all sources agree that having purpose and making a positive difference in the lives of others is fundamental.

In his book, Give and Take, Adam Grant points to the fact that giving and contributing to others and society provides both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. The book, The Five Love Languages, points to the ways we and others in our world demonstrate love for each other, through simple daily acts of generosity and care.

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways can you make an even bigger and more positive mark on your world? How and in what ways can you encourage and support others in your various communities to do the same?

“Our fingerprints don’t fade from…”

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“Our fingerprints don’t fade from the lives we’ve touched.”

—Will Fetters, American Screenwriter

Image from lynnemosher.com

Image from lynnemosher.com

I’ve been fortunate over the years to build a coaching practice in which I often see clients in person in my office. Sessions are held at a special round table covered with glass. By the end of the day, the glass is often covered with fingerprints, along with a few crumbs if we happen to meet over lunch.

Perhaps the most profound reason the profession of coaching has grown so significantly over the years is the stickiness and sustainability attributed to these special, collaborative relationships.

EXERCISE:

Where can you make an enduring and lasting impact in the lives of others? Who are the people who have made an enduring and lasting impact on your life? How can you continue to positively build on these “life fingerprints” and only bring out the “glass cleaner” to remove the smudges that sometimes come your way?