Leading a significant life
Leadership
October 11, 2013
Tal Shnall
Topics
Character-based Leadership, Commitment, Community, Difference, Growth, Inspiration, Servant Leaders, Values, VisionDeep within each one of us there is an inner desire to live a life of significance and contribution. Each one of us, is longing for a better future. We want to make a difference. We want to leave the world a better place. We can start the journey by asking ourselves- Do we live a life of significance by adding value to others so that we leave a memorable legacy?
Each of one of us has a search for a meaning. We cherish those experiences that blossom us to be all we can be. We enchant in the moments of our greatness. Those moments seem to make us grow and develop to the best version of ourselves.
The journey of significance takes time. It requires persistence and dedication. Mostly, it requires you to pour your life into others. Those who want to create significance seek deeper connections to their relationship with others.
They live a life with the awareness of how they can contribute and enhance relationships. American author and poet Maya Angelou rightfully said, “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.”
No one wants to spend their lifetime doing something unimportant. People want to do something that matters. People want significance in their life. When we strive for success in life, we ask, “How can I add value to myself?” When we want significance we need to ask, “How can I add value to others?” Instead of asking what others can do for me, we need to ask what we can I do for others.
“Those on the journey to living a higher-purpose life have a tenacious desire to live a life of meaning and significance.” Jim Reger
We grow and develop to create a better world around us when we have something to give. We can create significance by placing value on our connections and contributions we make on a daily basis. We add significance when we making a meaningful impact on others.
Significance gives meaning to our life. Each one of us can have a noteworthy impact on the world around us.
Our most memorable moments are the ones when someone came into our life and helped us discover our true north. People that create significance have a life calling bigger than themselves.
As leaders, we either have a positive impact or negative impact on the people we lead. Ask yourself, are you making things better for your team? Are they better off today because you made the effort and took the time to encourage them to succeed? You have to be intentional in creating significance.
Some of the best leaders we know are less interested in their titles or their position. They want to make things better for other people. Albert Schweitzer, the 1952 Nobel Prize winner advised, “Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don’t live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.”
When you add significance to people lives, you lift them up, you help them advance, and make them part of something bigger than themselves. You take them along the journey of becoming who they were made to be.
Significance is the extra mile. Significance is your potential.
Beautifully said Tal! It all comes down to love and relationships with others, and the world around us…and service/support always!
Peace and Love,
Ang 🙂
Thanks for the great post Tal. I wholeheartedly agree, our impact is never neutral. It’s either positive or negative. Facing that fact changes our “significance paradigm” immediately and drastically. Thanks again. Mike…
Ang and Mike…I share your sentiments. We are here to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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[…] Leading a Significant Life by Tal Shnall for Lead Change. Key quote: “Each one of us, is longing for a better future. We want to make a difference. We want to leave the world a better place. We can start the journey by asking ourselves – Do we live a life of significance by adding value to others so that we leave a memorable legacy?” […]