As we come to the end of 2020, I want to reflect a moment. Yes, I know we are all supposed to write about New Year’s Resolutions—99% of which will be abandoned before the end of January.
But given this year, I want to focus on something else. When I started this blog, about 13 years ago, I chose to call it “Making A Difference.” My hope has been to make a difference in the lives of people reading these posts. To have them think differently, to help them find new ways to achieve their goals, to grow and learn. Whether it’s a sales person trying to grow in their practice of the profession, a manager seeking to grow the capabilities of their organization, or an organization that seeks to create real value for it’s customers and in it’s markets.
This year, has been nothing short of stunning. Each of us has been impacted by the pandemic, the associated disruptions to the global economy, the disruptions to small businesses in our communities, and social change.
In the face of this, we see millions of individuals–people choosing to make a difference in whatever way they can. Whether it’s first responders, the doctors, nurses, and supporting staff in hospitals, or people keeping stores open so we can get food and other items to move on with our lives.
A large proportion of these people are putting their lives at risk, in the effort of making a difference for others.
Beyond this, there are millions of other examples of helpfulness, kindness, support, even sympathy—expressions of caring and support given unselfishly to others.
I have so many to thank for those who have been so helpful and supportive to me in the past year. Those hundreds of acts of caring and support are so special. I can never begin to express my gratitude, but start with a heartfelt “Thank You!”
I started thinking about, “Why do these people do these things? Why do they put themselves at such great risk to make a difference for others?”
I suspect they weren’t just doing their jobs, they were pursuing their passions. Even for those who aren’t putting themselves at risk, but are demonstrating acts of caring, they probably do this out of pursuing their passions.
As I reflect on high performers in any profession or job, none are just doing their jobs, their pursuing their passions.
If we aren’t passionate about what we do, we will never be outstanding performers, regardless how hard we try.
I was struck by this short interview of Dr. Anthony Fauci. The question was, basically, “Why do you do what you do? Why have you done it for 52 years?
All the best for 2021! Make sure you are pursuing your passions. Make a difference!
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