Last week, one of my clients told me that she wanted to “make a difference” in the world.  As this is not the first time I have heard that from a client – or a friend, I was prepared for the answer when I asked, “What do you intend to do to make a difference?”  Like so many others before her, my client didn’t know what to say as somewhere in the back of her mind, she felt she was meant to do something “really special” or “something big”.

The internet has enabled everyone to be a part of the media and we now have access to stories around the world.  We read of the heroics of others – saving children, fighting poverty, or fundraising for a cause and it becomes natural to think that our “difference” has to be something that will measure up – that we have to do it all in order to serve.

This reminds me of the story of the little boy and a starfish.  The boy and his father are walking on a beach when they come across a section with dozens of starfish washed ashore.  The boy frantically tries to save one by throwing it out to sea – but the waves keep bringing it back.  As he asks his dad for help, his father tells him that there are so many starfish, throwing this one back won’t make a difference.  To which the boy replies, “It makes a difference to the starfish”.

What a great reminder of how often we miss opportunities because we don’t recognize the impact even the very small things can have.  A smile or a kind word can make someone’s day.  A composed reaction in the face of a crisis can calm a child.  Stopping to help a parent with several children carry their bags on the plane can relieve their stress and help keep order for others.  Take a moment to think about all of the little things that make a difference to someone.

I could stop writing here, but it has been pointed out to me by some of my friends and clients that they were not talking about moments, but were speaking to the direction of their lives (sometimes we talk about finding purpose and giving back – all part of this discussion).  I counter that this is where it all begins.  New awareness; new habits; new results.  Recognizing opportunities to make a difference in the moment develops leadership agility from the inside.  Agile leaders can go on to increase their impact by engaging others… and so on.

Practice leading your life where the moments count. Notice the difference you can make and see how far it takes you.