Lean Quote: Do Things That Make a Difference

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it."   —  Elizabeth George

“This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good.

What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it. I want it to be a gain, not a loss – good not evil. Success, not failure, in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.” – Heartsill Wilson

You might think the difference you can make is insignificant. When we think about making a difference we fall for the myth that what we start out doing has to be enormous to have any effect. I’ve learned it doesn’t. The smallest acts of kindness can have a huge impact, maybe more than you can imagine.

Here are 10 ways you can make a difference in the world:

1. Start with yourself

First, make a positive difference in yourself. This will create an outward butterfly effect. Think about the things you would like to change about yourself, and then change them. Create space to bring in more positivity in your life.

2. Be kind to others

In these modern times, where we are often extremely busy, people tend to become quite self-absorbed. But kindness goes a long way. A simple act of kindness can generate so much positivity, even if you’re not always aware of it.

3. Smile

A simple smile can really change someone’s day for the better. Smile to the old lady you pass on the street, to the bus driver, to your co-worker in the break room, to the kid that always wants to pet your cat. Smiling is not only good for your mental and physical health, it has also been shown to be contagious.

4. Start to really listen to the people around you

People crave attention, because it makes them feel loved. Really listening to them, not just hearing them but actually understanding what they are saying, can make a huge difference. Take time to listen to your loved ones, and if the opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to listen to strangers, either.

5. Use your time wisely

There never seems to be enough time for everything you need and want to do. Therefore, the expression work smarter, not harder is definitely one to think about. Find ways to be more productive when doing the things to need to do. This leaves more time for you to chase your dreams.

6. Volunteer

Do something selfless, without expecting anything back. Volunteer at your local animal shelter, retirement home or homeless shelter. If everyone would volunteer every once in a while, the world would be a much better place.

7. Find charities you like and donate

There are many good causes you can donate to. It doesn’t have to be much; you don’t have to be a wealthy philanthropist in order to make a change. Find charities that are close to your heart. Think about wildlife preservation, cancer research, the Salvation Army, children’s hospitals, etc.

8. Think about the legacy you want to leave behind

How would you like people to remember you? For your professional achievements, your selflessness, your kindness? What about your resilience? When you are confronted with unforeseen challenges, don’t let it get you down, don’t start whining. Instead, show your strength and try to find the positive sides of what is happening to you. In the end, it is all about how you deal with setbacks.

9. Be passionate

Be passionate about everything you do! Passion is like a magical ingredient; once you add it to your meal, even the most bland and boring foods suddenly taste amazing. Don’t like your job? Then find one that you do like. Life is too short to spend time doing things you find no pleasure in.

10. Have a positive attitude

Life can be very challenging sometimes, and this can make it difficult to stay positive. However, if you choose to have a positive attitude, you’ll notice that you become a better you. It may sound strange, but daydreaming can help you with this. Visualize what you want, and add feeling to those visualizations. This generates positive energy, which in turn will lead to positive changes.

What will you do today, that you can look back on to tomorrow, knowing you made a difference?