Why settle for doing good Stuff when you could be doing something great?

Good stuff is easy. It’s readily accessible. There are opportunities all around vying for your support.

You can, for example:

• write a check to the American Cancer Society
• volunteer at a homeless shelter
• give canned food to the postal carrier’s food drive
• deliver meals to families in need on Thanksgiving
• help build a house for Habitat for Humanity
• bring gift wrapped toys for the Christmas angel tree
• serve on the PTA
• buy cookies from the Girl Scouts

It’s not that doing these kinds of good things is bad in itself. The problem is that it may be preventing us from making a truly great impact. We settle for some contribution, whether it’s volunteering, working as an employer or business owner, or making a monetary donation. But there are a few problems with settling for something good.

It doesn’t Satisfy

Doing good stuff just doesn’t satisfy as much as it seems like it should. We end up asking, “I’m doing something good here. Why don’t I feel good? Am I really helping?” The fact is, when we participate in these kind of activities, we are very removed from the beneficiary and we can’t really know how lives are being changed.

It May or May Not be a Great Fit

We often act on opportunities that are presented to us, but are less likely to seek out opportunities that are in line with what we are really passionate about. Acting on our passion takes more time and effort. We have to be focused and deliberate. In contrast, taking part in a “pre-fab” opportunity most likely means we’re helping someone else with their dream instead of pursuing our own dream.

It Short-Circuits the Process

Settling for doing some good stuff usually means we haven’t really gotten clear on what we are all about. Instead of settling, I encourage you to go through the whole process:

First, thoroughly explore your passions and pick one of them to use to make a real Difference in people’s lives. Second, get clear on what specifically you want to change and find a great way for you to create that change. Third, check in regularly to make sure you’re really creating the change you desire.

Time for Adjustments

If you are busy doing some good stuff, I invite you to stop. Don’t stop for the purpose of doing nothing. Stop to give yourself the opportunity to find what you are passionate about and to get clear on the difference you want to make. Find a way to make that difference that’s a great fit for you.

You deserve to make a truly great impact that’s a great fit for who you are. You wil be more effective and more satisfied.

If you’d like to find out how we can support you in making a difference that’s a great fit for you, call us at (916) 783-2622.