How Do You Measure Your Impact?

Is it what you say or what you do?

This is pretty simple. Obviously, if we are all talk and no action, no impact. Well, not so fast. Our words can have an immeasurable impact on others.

Who is the Judge?

It is not for us to judge what impact our words, time, or actions have on others. What seems like a very minor comment or an inconsequential moment in time could mean the world to someone else. And, on the other hand, the deepest most lengthy profession of our best advice may fall on deaf ears if a person is not in the position to receive the advice we have to offer at that moment. We can’t be the judge.

How Much is Enough?

Over this past year, I have struggled a little with the concept of measuring my own impact. I have wondered if I do enough. This doubt is partly because of the pandemic. For the most part, the only impact I was able to have on others was through virtual means. The other part is that at this point in my life and career I have shifted from being a hands-on participant in projects to mentoring the project leaders and supporting causes financially more than physically. This is something I can shift to be of more service, but not back to the same level as in my younger years. I have wondered, Can I make a difference? I also thought a lot about the fact that you never know when you are passing on your passion to others. We will never really know, but the service in itself is fulfilling.

The True Measure

Before I started writing today, a Maya Angelo quote came across my feed. I didn’t know at the time that I would use it. But, it just so happens, it sums up this concept perfectly.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

I became a writer this year. Now more than ever, I hope that what I say can mean something to others. According to this quote, our words can be moving. Our words can be impactful. This relies on the way our words make others feel.

I strongly believe that everything in the world happens for a reason. Even though something may involve us, the reason it happens may not be for us. The lesson may be for an observer. I don’t think we will always get to know the reason. This is why it is important to present our best to the world and be on the lookout to help others at all times. The people that have felt something from our efforts will carry the measurements with them.

Changing Lives

On our mission to inspire others sometimes we miss out on opportunities to be inspired. We have to allow others the joy of helping us sometimes.

I recently read a story by Alison Schaffir. She provides a great illustration of how the impact of others can change the course of our lives. She also includes ways we can attract the right people that will positively impact us and support our journey.

Thanks for reading. I hope everyone impacts others positively and is impacted in beautiful ways as well. We can’t always measure our impact. If we are living our best life and we will have one!

Thanks, 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘊. at Know Thyself, Heal Thyself for the Monday prompt: When all is said and done, will you have said more than what you’ve done, or less?