Give yourself permission to find your own way of measuring the impact of the things you’ve been focusing on and giving energy to, instead of only relying on predefined expectations.
When you are working on things that matter to you but others might not recognize the value of this work, it can be disheartening, and can lead you to feel uncertain about what impact you might even have. However, instead of only relying on external validation, you are allowed to explore new ways to measure the impact of your efforts. You are free to explore how slow and steady growth is actually still significant, whether or not others notice.
Choose a question to ask yourself today:
“How can I find value in what I am doing right now…even if others don’t see it?”
“What kind of person could I talk to that might understand this feeling?”
“How has deciding to continue something changed my perspective?”
“How has taking a break helped me find the room to breathe that I needed?”
“What small ripple effects might I be able to share with others in the years to come?”
These questions invite you to explore different aspects of the impact you’re making. Even before you have answers for them, they are reminders that there is so much more to what you do than immediate results or external validation. In the busyness of life, it can be hard to pause and think about the long-term, so allow yourself to invite questions that open up new ways of appreciating the value of your efforts. Of course, a simple question may not change everything, but it’s something to help you shift your focus and find meaning in what you’re doing, in a simple way that you can build upon. Remember, you are allowed to explore what impact means to you and trust that this journey, with all its slow and steady growth, is valid and significant in its own way. – Morgan Harper Nichols
