Here’s a common scenario. You’re part of a community. You put something out there. Something meaningful. You get a few comments back, but really wonder if you’re ever being heard or making any difference.
In a world that loves to be measured…through comments, re-tweets, page views, etc., it’s pretty easy to size-up your impact through a couple of quick metrics. But here’s the thing – your real impact can’t be measured. It’s too grand scale.
To realize the difference you are making, simply consider how you’ve been impacted by others. Think of the comments, blog posts, tweets, or simply smiles or gestures others have put there that have changed you – perhaps just a little bit, or perhaps your entire life. Well, you’re doing the same for others…even if you don’t realize it. It’s a big world, and we can’t respond in a meaningful way to each and every person who stirs up our little universe and makes things a little better (or a lot). But you’re stirring…you’re changing…you’re helping, impacting, improving…
There are a lot of studies out there postulating where ideas come from. In fact, Seth Godin posted on this topic the other day. If you check out his list, you’ll see #6 is: ideas occur when dissimilar universes collide. Given this, have you ever wondered how your thoughts from your universe vocalized have collided with someone else’s and in turn have spurred ideas for them? Helped them solve a problem (little or big), or was just the thing that tipped their efforts and made all the difference?
Again – your real impact can’t be measured.
I stuck this post-it note on the bathroom wall of Starbucks this morning. Sometimes we all need a little reminder.
Well said, Lauren. Look…you just impacted my day 🙂
Thank you for posting this Lauren! It made my day 🙂 I find the impact that can’t be measured to be the most fascinating to think about. I also believe in the power of feedback, especially positive feedback. Don’t keep that “thank you” to yourself! Let the person know that their advice helped, you enjoyed the article they shared, or that you simply found meaning in what they just wrote. We all need a little affirmation every now and then. Even if it’s just for doing our jobs. I may have to steal the post-it note idea and put it on the mirror here at work.
This is incredible :o) I especially love the post-it note. Makes me want to do the same! I’m sure someone saw that and their day was totally changed!
“Think of the comments, blog posts, tweets, or simply smiles or gestures others have put there that have changed you.” Brillant! What a great reminder of how important our work is for each other and also for our own personal satisfaction!