Next month, we will open the opportunity to invest with Tricord Global. This is always an incredibly exciting season in our office. Why? Well, our mission at Tricord is to equip entrepreneurs in developing countries with the knowledge and capital to build sustainable wealth for themselves. This is how we want to make our impact in the world. And it gives us a reason to get excited!

The opportunity to invest opens in early March, so be on the lookout for more information if you’d like to invest. We are always grateful to those who pledge their wealth to impact others.

However, if you are not able to make a mark on the world through investing, I want to share with you how you can make an impact every single day.

5 Ways to Make a Mark on the World

Making your mark on the world is about relationship, and relationship is about value.

When we add value to others, we boost their confidence, encourage their passions, and drive them to success.

Value can be given in the mundane moments of life – something as simple as a smile or an opened door. However, value is also recognizing someone’s passion, supporting their mission, and driving their purpose.

Our words, actions, and attitudes have an impact – either adding value or leaving someone the same as when we found them. Choosing to make a mark and accepting the responsibility to add value has the power to change everything.

1. Get uncomfortable.

We like to ask one question: “How are you?” And while this not a bad question, it doesn’t scratch the surface of deeply valuing those around us.

It’s a hurried question, thrown around when we aren’t sure what else to ask.

So, what if we went a little deeper? Consider asking what challenges they are facing, what is exciting in their life at the moment, or something that they’ve learned recently. Ultimately, be curious and ask deeper questions. Sure, you may start to sweat and feel a little uncomfortable, but that’s a small price to pay when you’re adding value to the life of another.

2. Notice & acknowledge the good.

Genuine compliments and honest appreciation go a long way in building positive relationships. This is especially true for the people in your life you may not like.

Begin acknowledging one good quality every time you have an opportunity. Then, watch as your relationships grow, thrive, and lead to great impact.

Here’s the key: always be searching for the good. It’s much easier to see someone’s faults. So, fight to see and acknowledge the best about others.  

3. Choose to be vulnerable. 

Admitting our faults and choosing imperfection shows those around us that we are simply human. This levels the playing field.

It shows value by indicating that we care more about the other person than we do about saving face. It validates the importance of the relationship in a meaningful way.  Admitting weakness also communicates honesty, trust, and boldness.

We cannot admit our faults without truly valuing the person sitting across from us.

4. Take your time. 

Sadly, we live in a society that chooses to rush, always pushing for the next best time-spender. But what if we slowed down long enough to realize that the best time-spender is the person sitting across from us?

To add value to people, we must slow down long enough to hear their needs and respond appropriately.

5. Be kind to yourself. 

I’m not saying to do this in a selfish way, but rather in a way that allows you to continue valuing others. If your tank is not full, you cannot fill the tank of anyone around you.

Take time every day to refuel with prayer, exercise, practicing gratefulness, time in Scripture, eating healthy food, taking part in a hobby… the list goes on and on. Sometimes, this will need to be scheduled to make it happen. That’s okay! Get it on the schedule!

These five ways to make a mark on the world are demonstrated in the big moments and the day-to-day events. It’s holding a door for the person behind you, or making someone smile by cracking a joke in the elevator. Try challenging yourself to see and value the person under the surface.

If we are going to be people of impact, we must first start by adding value to those around us.

How can you impact someone today? Determine one action you can take to add value to a friend, family member, or colleague.

“Worry less about how many people you are connected to and worry a whole lot more about who you are connected to, who they are and what you are doing to value and honor them.” – Mitch Joel

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