Word-Of-the-Week #801: Difference
December 12, 2019 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #801: Difference
Difference – having a positive effect.
Do you believe that one person can make a difference in the world? When was the last time you reached out to help someone in a time of need? Do you know that in order to receive, you must give first?
This week “How to Make a Difference to the World” by Mark Foo seemed like the perfect follow up to last week’s Munificent.
“Many people believe that they don’t have what it takes to make a difference to the world. They believe only people like Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, and the likes, are capable of making a difference.
The truth is, every one of us is put in this world to contribute and make a difference to the world in our own unique way. It need not be anything out of the world. It just needs to be something you do with the intention of ‘doing good’.
The following is a guide as to how small people like us can make a difference to the world.
- It Need Not Be an Enormous Task
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” – Mother Teresa
You already have what it takes to make the world a better place. Making a difference to the world may seem like an enormous task, but it is in fact the collective effort of everyone to make small contributions with a lot of heart.
The size of the contribution is not what matters most. The key here is to have the heart to do it.
- Start Now
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – 
Anne Frank
There is no one best time to start to make a difference to the world. You don’t need to wait till you have the time to share some love; you don’t have to wait till you make more money to share a slice of bread. Little efforts count, and you can start making small contributions today.
- Your Contribution is Never Too Small
“Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.” – Author Unknown
If you think that everything has been taken care of by somebody and your contribution is not going to make much of a difference, then you’re wrong. Can you imagine if everyone else starts to think the same way?
In fact, it is our responsibility to seek ways to contribute, large and small. You don’t have to be concerned you’re only capable of making small contributions. What counts is the effort.
- The Greatest Gifts of All
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha
Happiness and love are the two greatest gifts you can give to the world. Too often, we’re too indulged in our own gratifications that we forget there are people in this world whom we can make a little happier and feel more loved.
As the saying goes, “To receive, you must first give.” The more you give, the more you’ll receive. Let us remind ourselves that in order to receive more happiness and love, let’s spread more of them first.”
This week’s focus is on making a difference. Are you waiting for the “right time” to make a contribution? Are you concerned that it needs to be bigger or more than you can give today? Who could you make a little happier or feel more loved?
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WOW Word-Of-the-Week #361: Difference
July 5, 2011 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #361: Difference
Difference – having a positive effect.
Has anyone done something for you that made a difference in your life? Do you feel empowered at work to do the things that make a difference? Is it important for you to know that you have had an effect on someone?
Last month we flew Southwest Airlines to Oakland to start our US/Canada vacation. I have never been a big fan of them. That’s probably because I got spoiled by United and getting first class upgrades! Did you know they have been in business for forty years? Did you know that the major airlines tried to run them out of business time and time again?
Their on board magazine featured an interview between the current CEO Gary Kelly and past CEO Herb Kelleher, who was critical in the early success of Southwest. When asked what he considered to be the essential contributing factors to Southwest’s success Gary said, “I think it’s the people you’ve been able to attract. Yes, we fly airplanes very well, and yes, we’re very efficient; we’re good at running an airline. But it’s our people who make the difference.”
The Southwest Difference
Did you know that 168 airlines have gone out of business? Southwest has gone through lots of changes and when asked what has not changed Gary’s response was, “I’d say our core values, what we stand for: putting our people first, making our people top priority – clearly that was your principle concern all the years that you led Southwest. The passion that we have for customer service shows up all the time, and our people feel empowered.”
“You know, the story of our captain holding the aircraft for a customer who needed to get to his grandson’s death bed. While that was certainly the right thing to do, and was certainly a very compassionate thing to do, I don’t think that any Southwest employee thought it was an extraordinary thing to do, in the sense that it was unusual that one of our people would do that. And yet it’s fascinating how the external world thought, Wow! That’s something to be proud of: that all of our people know what’s right, and they feel empowered to act on it. That hasn’t changed.”
This week’s focus is about making a difference. Who do you know that has made a difference in someone’s life? What could you do that would have a positive effect on the people around you?