The last few weeks have been very on-the-road for me. One of my favorite experiences when I’m visiting client organizations or speaking at conferences is… you. Meeting some of the folks who receive and read my weekly emails gives me a lift and reconnects me to my purpose. So first of all thank you! Thank you to the folks who tell me after sessions or in airport bathrooms or convention center hallways “Hey, I get your emails!” that makes such a positive impact on me.
But what does this mean for you? Besides please find me and introduce yourself and tell me what I can do better, it means this:
Where do you make a difference?
Yes you do. Seriously, I know some of you thought “I don’t” or “I’m not sure I do.” Not so.
There is some way in which you are making a positive impact on someone or something that matters to you. What is it? Don’t wait for them to tell you (though I hope they do) – mark it for yourself.
Fully 85% of adults say that one of their goals is to make a positive difference in the world. But the world rarely calls you up to tell you that you’re making that difference. You can increase your impact and strengthen your own resilience and mental health by noting your own positive metrics. When you make someone smile or help someone with a task or pick up a piece of litter, notice that! Fight your brain’s negative bias – the inclination to note more strongly and remember better that which feels frightening or risky or dangerous or upsetting – and take a mental picture of the good you do. This also creates a positive spiral. The good feeling you get from doing good and remembering it will make you more likely to do it again.
And tell me! I want to know about your good.
All my best,
Dr. G
