Difference

|Difference|
Don’t aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.
Denzel Washington

How is success best measured? The size of a paycheck? The new title? The brand you drive, wear, or carry? Have you ever stopped to wonder what people will remember about you—not for what you owned, but for what you gave to the world? We know that it’s none of these things, and what matters is the indelible mark we leave on others and the change we bring within our circle of influence. For sure, making a living is necessary, but real joy and satisfaction are found in using our work, time, and energy to create something meaningful. Something that can leave a legacy. Something that makes things better.

We all have a unique opportunity to contribute – to lift and encourage others, to solve problems, to bring your expertise and perspective to the discussion, and to pursue something greater than ourselves. To make a difference.

The beauty of making a difference is that it doesn’t require grand gestures. More often, you make a difference in the small, consistent actions you take, the way you make someone feel, reminding others (and ourselves) of how much we have to be grateful for. Gratitude is a powerful tool for making a difference, as it allows us to appreciate what we have and share that appreciation with others. Gratitude fuels generosity. When we understand and appreciate what we have, we instinctively share it—our time, kindness, and perspective—with others, creating ripples of encouragement.

When considering your next step – concerning the new job offer, how to proceed in the project, or the attitude you choose for the day – ask yourself: “How do I leave things better than I found them?” Acting on this answer can make a more significant difference in your life and the lives of others than you would probably guess.

So, don’t just aspire to make a living; aspire to live a life that leaves others richer in hope, joy, faith, and purpose. That’s the real difference you can make.

Be Encouraged.