Be the Difference

We are all here on this planet to make a difference: to ourselves, to our family, to our community, to our company and, if the opportunity arises, to our country. Each and every one of us has our own unique set of talents and abilities. We have the opportunity, more of an obligation really, to use those talents and abilities to be difference makers to everyone and in every situation we encounter each and every day. The only alternative to that is to just take up space and wait around to grow old. And that my dear reader is simply NOT acceptable.

Let’s think about the title of this blog entry. Be the Difference. Three simple words. Five little syllables. But when put into action make a significant impact on everything and everyone you interact with. Yet this seemingly simple idea does require a bit of reflection. To be a difference maker requires thinking about and answering two questions.

First – What difference am I trying to make?

Second – What do I need to do in order to make that happen?

Start with the end in mind. Envision the difference you are going to be and then determine what you need to do in order to make it happen.

Make this a daily practice: Ask yourself every day when you first get out of bed or when you step into the shower: How can I be the difference today? Think it through and make a plan. Head into your day with this plan and put it into action. You do that and when you lay your head back down at the end of each day you will do so knowing that made a difference; Knowing that you made your world and someone else’s world a little brighter and a little better. In my book that makes for a pretty great day.

Don’t hold back. Share your talents and abilities with the world and enjoy a lifetime of great days.