“Everyone can do simple things to make a difference, and every little bit really does count.” Stella McCartney.
Making a positive difference in the world is an important part of life to many of us. We want to feel that we have made a positive and unique contribution to help make the world a better place.
I sometimes think that we never really get to know and understand the full impact that we have on other’s lives with our positive actions and the ripple effect they create.
We never get to realise fully the impact that encouraging and supportive words have when someone is feeling nervous or their belief has been dented. A simple act like smiling at someone when they are feeling down can have a positive influence as can carrying out random acts of kindness.
There is a Tom Hanks film “Bridge of Spies” which is a true story based on the work of lawyer Jim Donovan. He was tasked with negotiating the release/exchange of prisoners between the USA, Russia and East Germany.
The film is a great example of how the tenacity and determination of a human being can truly influence the future quality of other people’s lives and enable them to make a more positive contribution on society. At the end of the film, there was some text that came up to say that later in his career, Jim Donavan was involved in the release of over 9000 prisoners in Cuba.
We create ripples constantly by our actions. Each time we buy products it supports the economy and helps to create and sustain jobs. A carefully crafted presentation that we deliver to a colleague or team may inspire them to try a new approach or develop new skills. If we set out with an intention to create positive outcomes and ripples then we are likely to fulfil that objective.
You may have a conversation with a relative, colleague or friend that helps to increase their energy or motivation. It may be that you pass on a piece of knowledge or information that develops someone’s thinking and sparks some new ideas/creativity. It could be that you create the space to listen to someone outline some thoughts and ideas they have to solve a challenge. In doing so, you may help them create some clarity about the steps they need to take.
Someone that has suffered some disappointment or a setback may have their spirits lifted by the positive words of support and encouragement that you offer them at that the right moment. In doing so you may provide them with the confidence and strength to persevere and to quickly bounce back.
We all have the ability to make a positive contribution and make a difference to our personal environments and our part of the world in our own unique way. It is a choice. As Sir Winston Churchill once said “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” We can choose to have a great attitude and to create positive ripples and spread good energy.
This week, why not take a few moments to reflect and consider some ways that you can make a difference and create some positive ripples in your environments.
To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk