Vision and Influence

“We work because the world is unfinished and it is ours to develop. We work with a vision in mind.” Joan Chittister

Why do you work?

Imagine asking yourself, “Who am I destined to be in the world?” Where is the place you most come alive? What are the gifts you bring to the world in your unique way?

Click image for "On Being" InterviewWhat is your vision? Your greatest hope, desire or dream for yourself and the world? What is the overreaching and underlying intention you carry each day? Who do you want to influence? How will you do it?

It’s easy to sometimes forget the vision and drop into our culture’s way of thinking. Bigger is better. More is maximum. Dollar is king. It makes me dizzy to even think about, so I was delighted and intrigued to hear thought leader Seth Godin’s interview with Krista Tippett and his question: 

 “How few people can I influence and still be able to do this tomorrow?” Seth Godin

 Maybe one person needs to hear what I have to say… maybe a million do, but that isn’t my choice or my work. My work is loving the world. Period. Or if I take it a step further… my work is to authentically show up in any given moment.

At a recent workshop I facilitated, three participants gathered to discuss the topic. (I was expecting ten). It felt disappointing at first and I could easily say “only three” showed up. “Only,” however, is a diminishing word. In reality, the three perfect and exact people that needed to show up did.

If I measured my workshop in mere dollars, it was a bust! Bottom line—right then, today even—I didn’t need to make money, so why in the world would I put my focus or energy on dollars? Cultural pressure? Greed perhaps? A misplaced sense of value?

Oh sure I could go down the rabbit hole and say I wasn’t valued because “only three” people came. But how can I place a value upon hearing, “Thank you so much. That’s exactly what I needed today!” Or, “I’m really glad you offered this, so I could do something for myself (which I never do).”  Or my favorite… “Thanks for giving me permission to lead with my heart.” Priceless!!

If we place our sole focus on money, numbers or predetermined results then we may be showing up for the wrong reasons, especially if it doesn’t feel in alignment with our heartfelt vision.

Our role isn’t to determine or predict who, what or how we will make an impact. We work with a vision in mind—an intention. Our job is to bring that vision and show up. Period.

My intention is offering love and light to the world. I invite you to consider what yours is and how you will show up today! …and one last thought to ponder:

A burnt out light bulb offers NO illumination, but a single candle can bring brilliance to any darkened room!