Yes, I know that I focus a lot on the idea of positive thinking here on the show, but the thing about thinking is that it only helps you. Thinking can only go that far. It is one thing to hold all that positive thinking to yourself, but what takes that one step further is when you take those ideas and go do something with them. It takes more than positive thinking to get things done. It requires action.
For anyone to get something out of all your positive thinking, you actually have to go do something with it.
So, how can we all go and do something with all the good thoughts in our heads?
Here are three things to look at when you are trying to make a difference in the lives of others and desire to go beyond positive thinking.
1. Ask yourself, “What is compelling me to do good for others?”.
In other words, why do you want to do good? Is it because it feels good? That’s good if it does, but there has to be more to it than that. When you fully understand the benefit of doing good for others, you will then see the importance of reaching outside yourself and impacting the lives of others. When you see the potential that is inside of you and are aware of the needs of others, you will be compelled by the needs of others, not only the need of doing what feels good for yourself. There are tons of things that you could be doing that will temporarily satisfy you, but there is nothing in this life that is better than being there for other people.
2. Have you created space in your schedule to make an impact?
Know that you need margin in your life and that you need to do whatever you can to create it. Why? This is because people need you. They don’t need your thoughts, and they don’t need the leftovers from you after you pour yourself into everything else going on in your day. People just need you. They actually need all of you. The lady hurting next door because she is going through a rough time, or the young adult that has somehow lost his way that you can be a mentor to, or the man who can only find help in everything else but the solution to his real issue needs your life and your help. They all need help from you or someone you know, and just thinking about them isn’t going to be the fix they need. I can guarantee it. People are hurting and you probably have the solution. A great place to begin is to just be there for them and listen to what they have to say. If you don’t believe this, then you underestimate the power of being there for others. Yes, the answer is to be available for others to make an impact in their lives. Create margin in your life so that you can help others. That’s your fix.
3. What is it that you want to accomplish with you life?
We covered this in the episode on leaving a great legacy, but it is another incredibly important question to answer. I know that you want to be known for more than just a positive thinker and I know that you want to be known for more than the person with all the ideas. “What are you doing?” is the most important question I could be asking you right now. Why?
It requires movement paired with care to make a lasting impact.
If you want to leave an impact with your life, it requires you to look outward.
So, are you ready to make a difference? You can start by implementing these three things in your life and become more than a positive thinker. You can go and make a difference in the lives of others with your actions, today.