“To Try to make the world in some way better than you found it is to have a noble motive in life.” – Andrew Carnegie
If this quote resonates with you, is there some way in your business, or in your free time, that you might be able to incorporate something toward meeting this interest?
This might be by volunteering to work with an organization which is aligned with your views and works toward these types of causes. At another level you might be the one to create a group which conducts the work you feel needs to be done.
For example, you might seek out a group which is leading the way toward green initiatives in your region. Everything from solar heating systems to green building materials. Typically there are events, gatherings and networking of these folks and certainly they would welcome another volunteer.
If you are a part of a larger company or organization would you be able to create a better and deeper recycling program within the organization locally and out into the other office locations. Potentially discuss with the purchasing department the cost of buying recycled coffee cups and other paper goods.
On a completely different approach, which is to mentor and guide under privileged youth. Is it possible to either set up groups of people to match up on both sides or to at least become one of the mentors for a young person?
For example, if you are part of a larger organization you might coordinate initiatives throughout the community where a day is spent on a regular basis with mentors and groups of young people who are in need of quality mentors.
These suggestions are by no means the be all and end all. These are suggestions to get the conversation started. Rattle the cage of the summer mind back in tune with, Yes, Big Picture Now – Your Vision, Purpose, and Goals.
You have thought up some big ideas and some big plans for yourself at some point haven’t you? Where have these been hiding? It is time to break these out.
One further thought on this concept. It is not the reason to do any of these items, however, since you will be doing something. Utilize the marketing tools available and let people know what you are doing and why you are doing it. It is important. It is not a self serving attitude to beat the drum. It is actually a wise way to conduct oneself. You just never know who will read about it or hear about it and then what transpires from this contact.
Think of what interests you and how to leave your fingerprint on making something better than it was before you touched it.
Mitch Tublin is an advanced certified executive and personal coach who resides in Stamford, CT.
I have always taught clients and students that for bad or for good, we are a role model to others. We never know who we will influence. To volunteer one’s time is the highest form of service and love.
Mitch, I really like that Andrew Carnegie quote and he certainly did that in many ways, particularly with our public library system. Yes, I do ascribe to this philosophy and think it’s a good one to live by. For me it’s mentoring the up and coming generation of young PR pro’s.
I love this post, Mitch. Service is one of my core values so I infuse it in everything that I do. My background is in social work, but even as a sales coach, I teach my clients to come from a place of service and that selling is just the first step in creating positive change in others’ lives.
This is something that I’ve been doing from a young age so it ingrained in me and I encourage others to do the same. You gave them some good ideas!
Mitch – I’m on board with doing good but have not been letting people know what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. This is a good reminder for me! One of my favorites is KIVA and loans to support women-owned businesses that focus on food or farming. I’m going to do a blog post about this and add it to my bio – and hopefully it’ll get people wondering if they can participate too! so thanks!
I think we all have an obligation to give back part of what we get from our work. Whether its money or time or both.
To steal a quote from Rick Warren in “The Purpose-Driven Life,” it’s not all about you. Raising a 6 year old, I am reminded of this every day. 😉 Great post, Mitch!
Mitch – I like to think that as a business owner, I am creating more opportunities to be able to give back to the world … more opportunities to help others, and more opportunities to leave a legacy.
By starting a business, I am increasing my income, and the more money I make, the more money I have at my disposal to support schools, charities, and other causes I believe in.
Great reminder Mitch – I am with Sue “To volunteer one’s time is the highest form of service and love.” For me I have been running a not for profit network in my industry which gives a hand up to new graduates for over a decade and it still gives me a buzz while helping others.
My motto matches this perfectly – live your legacy!