Cooler air cuts through stifling heat reminding us that a new season is upon us. The days are shorter with daylight seeming to fade fast. While the hours of sunlight may be shorter the sun’s impact is still very much relevant. Our impact on those around us is also very much relevant.
I will define “difference maker” as someone who improves the lives of others. The key is recognizing that we are all made to make a difference. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do. The question is how do you become a “difference maker”?
Here are 5 ways to get you started.
Positive Mindset
"Successful people make the most of the best and the best of the worst."
- Steve Keating
The distinction between a “difference maker” and “trouble maker” is a sincere positive attitude. John Maxwell tells us in the book, “The Difference Maker” that attitude is not everything. A good attitude is certainly a good start.
Take Ownership
Difference makers take ownership. They don’t wait for someone else to get it done. Or maybe you don’t have the time and resources to get it done, but you can bring your ideas forward to someone who does have the time or resources. Another way to look at this is to be accountable, which is about being responsible for the result.
Amplify Energy
If there is a certain positive momentum happening find ways to keep it going. We can do that by increasing our capacity of power generation. Provide resources, remove roadblocks, or alert others that a barrier is coming so that it can be overcome.
Stretch Beyond
Stretch beyond your normal network. I find a lot of personal growth by attending conferences or forums that include topics beyond my normal discipline. Meeting people in all walks of life or career is interesting. Listen to others what their successes and challenges are, you may find yourself being a path of difference making by learning from others.
Daily Improvements
Big goals are nice but don’t always yield fast result. To accomplish them you have to commit to small daily improvements or change. I find that massive change often requires breaking it down into smaller tasks or projects to be successful. Like that in the Butterfly Effect theory, sometimes it’s the small improvements that bring about big change.
You can be the change the world needs. By taking small steps you can set off a chain reaction of positive energy so powerful that it’s possible to make a real difference in the lives of others. Give it a thought and start today!
