"A life is not important, except for the impact it has on the lives' of others." ~ Jackie Robinson
The seconds on the clock keep ticking forward. From seconds, it grows into minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days, days into years, and years into a life. What are we doing with the times given us? That is a question that keeps coming up in my life. The older I get, the more strongly I feel about being significant and leaving a legacy.
As a younger person, I was so focused on obtaining knowledge that I consumed it from anyone that had something worth listening to. How does one move up the corporate ladder? How do I improve upon my time management skills? How can I get rich and famous? What does it take to find the person of my dreams? How can I lose 50 pounds and get those six pack abs?
Have you ever asked yourself those kinds of questions? As I think back to where I was when I first asked them, some of which I still ask today, I knew that it was just about being better and improving myself. No, I don't think there is anything wrong with improving self, but as you learn and grow, what are you doing with it? Are you just holding on to it or are you sharing it with someone else? Understand that there is a price for obtaining those things in life, it's called paying it forward.
If you're not actively participating at the moment, it's OK. However, I would strongly encourage you to reconsider your position. Jim Rohn, a widely known motivational speaker once said, it is "only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have." Please understand, I'm not suggesting that we give only to receive, but rather know that by giving we are not choosing to live a life of lack but of abundance.
For some, you may think that you don't have anything to give, but you do. Wherever you are in life, you have some knowledge, skill, or ability that others do not possess or are currently in need of refining. Consider the difference between a young person who is comfortable around computers and a mature adult with limited knowledge in this department. Do you see an opportunity for one to teach the other?
We often think that only older people can teach, but that's not true. We all have something that we're good at doing, we just have to look outside ourselves for ways to add value.
While I've talked about teaching others as one way to pay it forward, I know that positive words of support during a very difficult time is another alternative. For some, it's the difference between continuing to fight and giving up. Encouragement is a powerful thing that costs practically nothing to give.
With that established, let me reveal to you the true value of YOUR contribution. While I initially started writing these articles to provide hope, encouragement, inspiration, knowledge, and the occasional bit of entertainment, I have been blessed many times over by your words of encouragement, support, and innovative ideas. I cannot express the sincere gratitude and amazing feeling that I have as a result of it all. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
As I bring today's thought to a close, I just want to impress upon you the richness of your contribution to this world. Knowing that you have been able to touch even one person in some way cannot easily be described, you'll just have to experience it for yourself. Hint: It feels stupendous!
Today's assignment, assuming you're ready for more abundance, is to find someone that you can help, mentor, guide, and brighten with your words of encouragement and wise counsel.
"Measure your net worth not by how much you have, but by how many people you impact." ~ Robin Sharma
Remember, you are a champion. Make today a really great day.
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