For most of your life, you move around on autopilot, not knowing from moment to moment the impact you have on others. Did you say thank you to the barista when you went through the drive-through? Most of the time you simply aren’t conscious of the impression you are making.
Becoming self-aware of your contributions to others is an important step in learning to maximize your impact, and to make doing great things possible – no matter where you are. Let’s look at some ways you may already be making an impact that you haven’t considered.
Influencing Others: People are always observing your behavior and listening to what you say. You are influencing those around you in ways you may not have considered. Your encouragement and positive comments can make an impact on the lives of the people in your sphere of influence.
Being Of Service: Doing things for others is part of being a member of a family or a community, but you may not realize how much your acts of service make an impact on others’ lives. Helping someone in a time of need, or being a dependable person that others can count on, is not only admirable – it builds trust and boosts self-esteem for those you serve.
Providing Solutions: Are you the “Answer Man” in your family or business? Do you love solving problems, and finding a way through when things seem stuck? As a problem-solver, you can be a great resource to those who feel stuck in a situation.
Creating A Safe Place: Are you a comforter by nature? Are you able to be the calm in the storm? Creating a safe place for people when they are feeling out of sorts is an important way to help others. Having someone trustworthy to lean on in a time of need makes an unsurpassed impact on a person’s wellbeing.
These are only a few of the ways that you can make an impact. There are countless others to discover, and there is a great way to find out how you make your best impact doing things that come naturally: journaling.
Journal your activities for two weeks and keep track of the ways you are making an impact on the people in your life. Pay close attention to your habits. Watch for the evidence of your impact. Did you notice someone smile back at you today? Did you intervene when someone was being rude to the clerk in the store? What activities do you participate in weekly, and how much does your presence contribute to their success?
Your valuable contributions to the world around you are undeniable. You sometimes may not notice the influence you have, because you are so focused on living your life. Nonetheless, you are making an impact each and every day. With some deliberate intent, you can become aware of your impact and learn to recognize its value.
