Making a difference is simpler than you think but more difficult than you might imagine– that’s what I know
It’s 12 : 35 PM on day 2461 of my journey towards independence and I managed to pray, have breakfast, read John 15: 3 and learn a new word – Definitions for hireling 1.
a person who works only for pay, especially in a menial or boring job, with little or no concern for the value of the work. 2. serving for pay only .3. venal; mercenary.
This morning I was thinking about what I wish I’d known before I fell into philanthropy and I wrote a few things down hoping it would help someone. Take a look:
6 Things You Need To Know Before Entering the World of Difference-Making
- Communication is key – people don’t care what you want to do or how you want to do it they care why you want to do it so before you start any project know why you’re doing it so you can communicate that well to others.
- You won’t always get to do things the way you envisioned (and that’s okay as long as you get it done) – sometimes you will plan something out in your head and for whatever reason things won’t unfold as you planned and when that happens you have to be flexible, think on your feet and get things done regardless (an imperfect, well-intended action is worth more than a thousand good ideas not executed).
- It’s not personal move on – sometimes you’ll pitch your idea to people and they’ll either want nothing to do with it or ignore you completely which will hurt the first few times but you have to keep moving knowing every no is a step closer to a yes .
- You will have detractors and naysayers – when you attempt the audacious some will say you can’t and others will say you shouldn’t ignore them and listen to the voice inside you that knows you can and remember why you’re doing it.
- You can’t do it by yourself – invite people to help you achieve your goal encourage them, believe in them and make them believe in their own potential to become change-makers….in short, build a team of leaders who are capable of articulating your vision to their circles of influence.
- Appreciation is EVERYTHING – nobody in the world is obligated to help you so when they choose to you should fall all over yourself trying to express your gratitude in as many ways as humanly possible.