I start each day with the purpose of making a difference. Changing the entire world continues to prove to be beyond my ‘super powers’ so I focus on the small victories in life.
The picture above hangs next to my front door, so I must pass it on my way out into the world. It is a simple reminder to ensure my focus remains on the small victories in life that can make a difference to someone.
My psychology educational background was selected because of a desire to understand others better. My thought process has always been to understand what makes people do or think what they do. Psychology provided me with the foundation to understand the importance of helping others. Please note, helping someone can be as simple as asking them how their day is going. Doesn’t have to get super deep to impact someone you cross paths with regularly.
I’ve written about the benefits of volunteering in the local community. This small step can be a huge difference maker for your local community and especially someone who benefits from the organization you volunteer with. Volunteer multiple times with an organization and you will begin to put smiles on the faces of people within the organization.
Mentoring others has always been a huge part of my daily routine. My current Walk into the Future allows me additional time to reach out to my tree branches and put focus on topics they want to explore. We always did this but now my availability enhances how often we get to check in. I enjoy catching up with my tree branches and hearing the great things ‘they’ are doing in the world. Following their progress and seeing how they make a difference is a highlight for me.
I’m able to expand my reach beyond my current tree branches because of my availability. Students and organizations I was not engaged with prior are reaching out for me to help them move forward. Some of the students knew me at FSU in passing or had a friend work with me and recommended they reach out. I find this ‘underground referral’ process a bit flattering and it shows I’ve made enough of a difference for someone to put their friend in touch with me. I never turn down these requests—the students have shown a tremendous amount of ambition by reaching out and requesting assistance. Selfishly, I view this whole process as growing my tree—these new branches know they must help someone else move forward.
Working with organizations is an area I would like to expand in 2019. I currently do some professional development/leadership consulting with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. We have several workshops planned and looking to add more to help them grow as a group. Coordinating with a few local groups to highlight the Authentic Leadership principles for them to incorporate within their leadership development programs. This process would expand my reach and provide a larger group to ensure I’m making a difference.
So, until I gain additional ‘super powers’, making a difference daily is how I plan to conquer the world! 😊
What can you do to make a difference today? Who would benefit from hearing from you? Don’t make them wait—reach out and make a difference!
Walk Into the Future 