It is said you will only be remembered for one of two things: the problems you solve or the ones you create.
Abraham Lincoln made a difference that changed the world forever, but so did Hitler. Both men are equally remembered. They both were part of a problem. Only one solved one, the other created one.
Which do you want to do? That’s a key question.
Now you don’t have to make a global impact in order to be remembered for making a difference. I also don’t believe making a difference is something you do only when you reach the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs pyramid, or when you volunteer at the local soup kitchen or write your check to public television.
I believe you are always making a difference, every day and in every moment. As soon as you walk out your front door, you become the cause of a series of ripple effects that will forever affect the direction and experience of much of the rest of the world. And your impact will be problem-solving or problem-creating.
Think about someone from your past: a former boss, colleague, college roommate, old neighbor, past love relationship, childhood friend, previous business partner, high-school math teacher, etc.
Each person either solved problems or created them for you. They either helped you and improved you or caused you grief and brought you down.
Now get on the other side of that list: How does each of these people remember you?
With every door you hold open, car you allow to merge, smile you flash, encouragement you offer, you are making a deposit into someone’s life.
The best part of this form of giving is that your ability to give is limitless, and in the end, the feeling of fulfillment you get makes you the greatest recipient.
It’s been said, “The key to becoming BLESSED is not to think about your blessing, but how you can be a BLESSING to someone else. In that act you will find YOUR BLESSING.”
You don’t have to be a president or a tyrant to make a difference in the world. For all the people you touch every day, you make a permanent, lasting difference in their world.
ACTION FOR TODAY:
I encourage you to set a goal by answering these questions:
How many blessings can you dispense this week?
How many lives can you make a positive difference in?
The life most affected by this giving will be yours.
Then finally, What one thing will you do to make a difference in someone’s life today?
Just one thing, anything… come on just try it!
