Are You Committed to Something Bigger than Yourself?

"A single individual driven by a purpose can change the world." – Peter Diamandis

Do you ever think about how you contribute to the world at large? You may be thinking I am only one person; what I do makes no difference in the larger scheme of things. How wrong you can be!

If you take a step back from the day-to-day activities of your life and you look at what you do in the context of the big picture, you can start to see something incredible. Your contribution (no matter how small) makes an impact, and the more aware you become, the more significant the impact.

A while back, my coach challenged me to see my work as a commitment to overcoming the world's global challenges. I was intrigued and skeptical at the same time, so I continued to hear him out. I discovered that the work I do amplifies the impact of innovative leaders whose companies are shaping the world. When I look at my work now, I not only see the direct impact on my clients who feel inspired and energized, but I also see how this keeps them connected to their mission and contribution to their world. 

Setting out to solve big problems brings a sense of purpose and meaning to your work and life. When people have a cause big enough, they can move mountains. That's the power of a Massively Transformative Purpose (MTP), a term coined by Peter Diamandis.

Ultimately, we can all be part of a global commitment to solving the massive problems facing the world today. If you feel a bit overwhelmed with all of this, the best way to get started is to check out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals were established in 2015 with a target to achieve them in 15-years. The 17 SDGs include No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water, Reducing Inequality, Climate Action, Peace & Justice. As you can see, these goals are truly massive, and no one person can do the work alone, so it will take a lot of people working together to make progress by the dates.

This reminds me of the classic quote from Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." So, which of the 17 SDGs fits with the work you currently do? Which one aligns with your values or the mission of your business? As you look at the list, which one would you like to focus more of your time and energy on? Remember that your contribution matters!