Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Six Ways You Can Leave Your Mark

“All I want to do is change the world.”
– W. Clement Stone
(1902-2002) Author/Businessman

When we are young we have the faith to believe we can one day make a difference.  As we get older and fight the daily battles of life, we start to wonder if we will be remembered at all.  I believe we are all here to be remembered.  You will however, not be remembered for what you have, be that money, power or fame.  You will be remembered for how you touched the world you live in and made life better for others.  There are six key things you can do in life that will live long after you have gone from this planet.

1)  You can create
                We all have talents and gifts.  For some, these are expressed in the form of thinking, making changes that are needed or solving problems.  For others these can be expressed in the form of art and beauty.  Still others are gifted in medicine, law, education and a thousand other things.  With these gifts we can create what was not there before or we can improve on those things that we use every day.  Everything you see around you was created by someone.  You too can create.

2)  You can discover the unknown
                One of the joys of childhood is the discovery of life for the first time.  From infants discovering their feet to children discovering their abilities, life is an adventure for those who keep discovering.  Always keep in mind that the wonders of the universe are not secrets that are hidden, but rather treasures to be discovered by people who still believe the impossible can happen.

3)  You can think
                Sounds funny I know, but the truth is, thousands of people do not think.  They move on impulse or desire, but they do not take the time to think things through.  Be a thinker about everything in your life.  Know what you believe and why.  Think about what you want and how you will achieve it.  Think about the things that others never take the time to.

4)  You can give
                It is not the things that you have accumulated in life that you leave behind, it is the things you give.  When you think about giving to others do not just restrict yourself to money or things, we can give much more.  Give of your time and you energy to others.  Give money and you can always get it back; give time and it is gone forever.  Givers are always remembered.

5)  You can be an example
                Don't just talk about how the world should get better, make it better.  Success-minded people know that things like integrity, honesty, decency, loyalty and right behavior are key to a full and meaningful life.  If all we do is tell people that they should be better we will gain nothing.  We must show then not only how to live right but show them that it can be done.

6)  You can take a stand
                The great Albert Einstein said, "The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything."  Like it or not, you are not a bystander in this world.  You are an active participant.  It is up to us to stop evil and wrong, not to ignore it and hope it goes away.  Take a stand for what is good, right and wholesome.  Be strong and brave in the face of all opposition.  You are the only thing keeping the world from the destruction it brings on itself.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.


John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

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