You have your own area of genius. You have experience and knowledge unique to you and key insights that no one else has. You have personal strengths and gifts. Are you tapping into these? Deeply? Consistently?
Do you notice opportunities, even small ones, to make a difference and then take action on those?
I sense there is an invisible force that is propelling so many people to want to use their unique abilities and lead a life with purpose. Perhaps more than any time before in history. Perhaps it’s an evolutionary step that becomes possible once survival is sorted out.
It was the 80s when I first contemplated “making a difference” as something to embrace (thanks to the teachings of Werner Erhard). Before that, I equated life success and potential fulfillment with completing college, working in a good job, and raising a family. I loved learning “new” ideas from Werner, like “accountability is an opportunity” and “responsibility is freedom.” I did a mountain-top ropes course and other breakthrough work that blasted many of my old patterns of self-limiting beliefs. I shared the message of transformation with hundreds of other people, very grateful that my husband, daughter and 75-year-old mother joined me in that era of self-discovery and empowerment. Making a difference felt very inspiring.
In the 90s, as a small business coach, I led entrepreneurs and their employees through long sessions in the process of defining their “Mission Statement.” That seemed like a very good idea for a company to have as a clear guide, but also I coached individuals to create a personal Mission Statement. The template we used was:
“My mission (or purpose) is to use my { personal strengths, gifts, experience ] and my { personal strengths, gifts, experience ] to [ goal to accomplish or message to spread ] so that [ impact / difference to make in the world ].
In 2002, Pastor Rick Warren released a book, The Purpose Driven Life, one of the bestselling nonfiction books in publishing history. It has been translated into 137 languages and sold more than 50 million copies in multiple formats. Who could have predicted there would be so many people hungry for his message?
In the past few years, I’m extremely pleased to say that I’ve become more and more involved with people who are in touch with deeper values, passions, and purpose in life. Friends, family, and clients are clearly on the path of living meaningful and connected lives. My stand is that a healthy life means you are connected with yourself, God, and others.
My insight about you is that you would not be reading this article if you didn’t have a growth mindset (rather than a “fixed” mindset). You are on the brink of an irreversible change, a shift that will transform your self-concept. You are already stepping forward in at least one area of your life. You may surprise yourself with how powerful you actually are and how much impact you can potentially have.
My insight is that a person who decides to write a difference-making book and/or become a speaker is stepping into a larger view of themselves.They are ready to realize their potential to impact others in a deep and expansive way. I’m reminded of the “hero’s journey” (timelss story arc) where the main character has an important goal, encounters obstacles, and meets a guide (me). I find great joy and fulfillment in each and every journey.
Writing your book is an idea whose time has come.
