Positive Impact on Others
At the beginning of 2024, I dedicated this year to making a positive impact on others. Part of my reason for doing this was to remind myself that I started my business to help people which is at the core of being a life coach. However, what I found in 2023 was that I was focused on growing my business, and my revenue, in part to meet the revenue goals I had established. Did I lose track of why I started the business? Maybe. Did I let ego and pride take more of a front seat than they should have? Maybe. So, as a result, I am grounding myself in my guiding purpose of making a positive impact on others. Let the revenue growth come when it does. So, what does this mean to me?
My life is filled with experiences, some of which are unique and some which aren’t. My sister passed away tragically in 2012 and after my parents cared for her two girls, my husband and I stepped into the role of parents. I have learned many things through this unique experience including trusting in God, becoming more patient, more resilient, and adaptable, and letting go of what I thought my life would be allowing for a new life to emerge. By sharing this information with others as appropriate, I hope to let them see what is possible even after a very difficult experience. Perhaps the person I am talking with may be going through a difficult circumstance and my story will give hope to their story.
My career as a female accounting and finance professional started and developed in the 1980s and 1990s when that field was dominated by men and, in some cases, still is. I also navigated my career while being a wife, and mother and while pursuing my MBA. With the intent to have a positive impact on others, I took my experience and created content that can help other women. I recently presented this information to a group of 35. When I started my business, I did not know that writing and speaking would be such a big part of my business but this seems to be how I am making a positive impact on others and so I will continue regardless of whether or not the effort results in new clients.
I have been doing a lot of business development, meeting new people with two purposes, to tell them about my business and to learn from their journey as a small business owner. To make a positive impact on others, I also ask them how I can help them grow their business. Often this is by learning what they do and thinking about who I can connect them with who might be interested in their business. Then, I follow up right away to make those connections.
Finally, I am using my coaching skills in everyday life by truly listening to what the other person is saying and not thinking about what I will say. Actively acknowledging the other person’s feelings and taking the time to ask probing questions provides an opportunity for the other person to stop and go deeper into what they are saying. By using my words and actions to support others I also acknowledge their inherent worthiness.
Part of my reason for writing about this topic is to remind myself of my commitment and to double down on actions that have a positive impact on others. By writing, I am holding myself accountable to do what I said I would do.