One of my favorite speakers is Pat Lencioni. I love him as an author, but he’s an even better speaker. Something I don’t think he’s written, but that I’ve heard him say a few times, are these inspiring words, which I’m paraphrasing for you:
So many of us want to make a difference in the world, and it’s something we do on weekends, or nights, or plan to do in retirement.
Life can get in the way, though, so we put it off. Maybe in retirement we can do Habitat for Humanity, go on a mission trip, volunteer at the hospital, or be a Big Sister or Brother.
Then, making a difference in the lives of others becomes something we’ll do “someday.”
But consider this:
Every day, you go to work. With people. And after work, you and all those people go home, and most of you interact with family and/or neighbors and/or friends. And the way you interact with others can have a lot to do with how your day at work went.
Want to make a difference in the world every day? Be good to other people at work. Be easy to work with, be empathetic, be kind, and interact with others in ways that help them go home in a good mood. That’s it.
What if we all just did that? Then you wouldn’t have to wait until retirement. Instead, you’d be making the world a better place every single day.
For many years, a tag line of mine has been
“Every thing you do makes a person’s day better or worse. What are you going to do with that power?”
I love the way Lencioni puts that into action, don’t you?
Paula Rychnovsky
I always said that I wanted to be remembered that “I made a difference”. This is a perfect reminder for me. I do not have to wait to make a difference – I can do it everyday and in many different ways. Thanks Alan for the words of wisdom!
Alan Feirer
Thanks, Paula! I’m so glad.