How to make an impact in 365 days
Illustration by @jaozolins
I recently read “People undervalue the positive effect of their behavior”. It’s easy for us to not pay attention to how we impact those around us. This impact can be negative or positive, but we choose to focus the positive things around here.
I often have the feeling that what I do is done in vain. That thought process will downward spiral me into feeling like I am not doing enough, showing up enough, or sharing enough. My goal is always to impact one person every single day. I do this mostly through kindness or uplifting new perspective around challenging ideas and emotions. I know first hand how compassion, empathy, kindness, and love can change ones’s life.
I vividly remember the happiness I felt anytime someone had done something kind or went out of their way for me. That deep feeling of appreciation and surprise is what I wish we all could feel every single day. Being on that frequency instantly boosts our mood despite any dissatisfaction we might be currently faced with. Our positive gestures can be heavily felt by others, but how often do we acknowledge how we feel afterwards.
Let’s begin to move more intentionally in this energy. Think about all the ways you can show up this year to make a better impact. As you carry out those random or not so random acts, sit and savior the beautiful feeling you have within your mind, body, spirit, and soul. Use that energy to help you consistently create more positive ways to impact others.
Sometimes the things that seem so minor in our mind could be the thing that alters the trajectory of someone else life path. Do not underestimate your impact, just do it with full love and intention. Do not carry out acts with the intention strictly to receive something in return, as this could have a negative effect on you over time.
Here are some simple things I’ve done to make great impact in 365 days:
Message my family & friends to tell them I love them.
Email my colleagues/boss to say I appreciate their support at the office.
Share information that I know will spark collective elevation and growth.
Share food and treats with my neighbors.
Pay for the meals of the car behind me in the fast food drive-thru.
Pick up a small thoughtful gift or token of my affection for someone I love.
Tell the kids that they are smart, kind, creative, and I am proud of them.
You get the point and I am sure you have so much you can contribute to this list. This is how we can take baby steps to make great impact in one year. Remember A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN A YEAR.