I Challenge You to Be a Difference Maker
What is a difference maker? The simple answer is someone who improves the lives of other human beings.
I want to be a difference maker. You probably do too, right? So, I challenge you to be a difference maker with me!
Choosing exactly how you want to become a difference maker is a wonderful personal development activity! Making a difference in our world is also an important component of developing a balanced life!
This is going to be a quick read because we are ALL made to make a difference in our world and we have important work to do out there in our community, in our big wide world, or among our people—you can be a difference maker in so many ways!
Definition of a Difference Maker
To “be a difference maker” means to take intentional actions that create positive change and have a meaningful impact on the lives of others or a situation. This can involve various actions, from practicing empathy and listening to sharing skills, volunteering, or advocating for positive change.
Since we’re ALL here to make a difference, let’s make sure you understand the role you play.
People have leadership roles in work, business, families, and most networks of people anywhere. They do big things that result in change and positive results.
But what about the little things that you do everyday? The obstacles you overcome. The people you inspire just by being nice.
Or the times when you just smile at someone who walks by. You become the living definition of a difference maker!
It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, you have the potential to be a difference maker to someone… anyone… or the world!
Difference makers are everywhere. Dare to make a difference!
I Want to Do Something That Makes a Difference
Truth be told, I was inspired to write this article by a song. The lyrics speak volumes to me about the way I want to live my life.
No, it’s not the Difference Maker lyrics by NEEDTOBREATHE. I know some of you may have thought that.
When I think of difference makers, I think of people who are represented in the song, “Be Nice” by Black Eyed Peas!
Difference-making looks like many of these behaviors and thoughts that are mentioned in the song:**
- Be nice.
- Just SMILE. I promise it’ll change your life.
- Be different.
- Turn my vibration around so I can feel fantastic.
- I do not want negative energy.
- If you get what you give, give me positivity.
- The love you give is the love you get.
- Be nice and change your life.
- Slip into brighter days.
- Fight for each other, not one another.
- When we talk, be nice to each other.
- Be cordial, be glad, be happy not sad.
- Mi casa, su casa.
- Love that we’re giving keeps rollin’ on.
- I got a new direction.
- Talking to myself in the mirror, telling me to cheer up.
- Just wanna be happy!
What do these words ALL have in common??
The words that come to my mind are positivity, happiness, kindness, confidence, love, mindset, attitude, personal development, self-love— I’m sure you can think of other words that are reflected in these song lyrics.
These are such simple words, right? If we all just lived according to these song lyrics, wouldn’t we be making a wonderful difference in our world?
I think we’d be making a BIG DIFFERENCE! We’d be starting a KINDNESS movement that spreads worldwide!!
Be a Difference Maker, My Friend
The author, John C. Maxwell, wrote a book called The Difference Maker: Making Your Attitude Your Greatest Asset. There are even places on the Internet where you can find a summary of the book for a shorter read.
In fact, there are many books out there with similar messages about attitude and mindset. I mention some of them in my article, Hard Working Women: Books, Blogs, and Boss Babes.
Listen to “Be Nice” by the Black Eyed Peas on REPEAT for days on end (like I do) and I’m sure you’ll want to be a difference maker, too!
If you have any doubt about how to be a difference maker at this point, just keep listening to the song for inspiration.
Plus, give these key qualities and actions some serious thought:
- Empathy and Active Listening: Understanding and acknowledging others’ perspectives without judgment is crucial.
- Sharing Knowledge and Skills: Mentoring, tutoring, or offering expertise can empower others.
- Volunteering and Community Engagement: Supporting causes you care about and actively participating in community projects.
- Emotional Support: Being present and offering support to friends, family, or colleagues in times of need.
- Consistency and Reliability: Sustained efforts and being dependable in your actions are essential for creating lasting change.
- Advocacy and Speaking Up: Bringing attention to important issues and advocating for positive change.
- Compassionate Leadership: If in a position of influence, leading with empathy and prioritizing people’s needs.
- Role Modeling: Demonstrating the values and behaviors you want to see in others.
- Focus on Others: Prioritizing the needs and well-being of others over your own.
- Passion and Compassion: Having a strong desire to make a difference and a genuine concern for others.
- Positive Attitude: Being optimistic and contagious with your enthusiasm.
- Serving Others: Actively seeking opportunities to help and serve others.
- Commitment to Excellence: Striving to do your best and make a positive impact.
- Taking Initiative: Being proactive and not waiting for others to do things for you.
- Being Intentional: Making conscious choices to live in a way that make a difference.
- Having a Positive Attitude: Being optimistic and seeing the good in people and situations.
- Being a Role Model: Living your life in a way that inspires others to make a difference.
- Being a Leader: Inspiring and motivating others to take action and make a difference.
- Being a Servant: Putting the needs of others before your own and serving them with compassion.
So what are you going to do today (and everyday) to be a difference maker, my friend?
I Am A Difference Maker
Here’s a thought for you to ponder: A synonym for difference maker is change-maker. Another synonym might be influencer.
Are you a change-maker? Can you do something that results in people making a positive change around you? Ask yourself: “What needs to be changed in my world and what can I do to help that happen?”
Are you an influencer? Do you have influence on others? Ask yourself: Am I a positive influence or a negative influence on others? Do I need to change?
After listening to “Be Nice” (five thousand times, at least) I have decided these are the little things I am going to do consistently to be a difference maker:
* SMILE.
* BE KIND.
* SHARE my words, thoughts, possessions, and actions.
* Promote positive attitudes.
* Keep writing about mindset, love, and happiness.
* Show gratitude.
* Respect ALL people.
* Empower and inspire others with encouragement and collaboration.
* Keep listening to “Be Nice” as a constant reminder that we are ALL here to make a difference!
* Keep challenging those around me to make a difference somehow… someplace… and to someone!
What ways are you going to be a change-maker? An influencer? A difference maker?
Final Thoughts
I said this is going to be a short article so we can get down to business with this challenge.
So I’ll leave you with this thought:
Go about your life with the knowledge that YOU were created to be a difference maker. You may make a difference by doing BIG things or LITTLE things… with your words and/or actions… but as you go through life everyday and make choices about your words and actions, ask yourself DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
If you would like to be a difference maker and help eliminate BULLYING in our society, check out my article about adult bullying. This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart—and YOU can help change things!
Love to All! ~Susan
Related Article: Girl Goals: Germany Kent is Making a Meaningful Difference
**Songwriters: Adam Friedman / Anish Sood / Ester Dean / William Adams / Calvin Broadus / Keith Harris / Lance Tolbert / Martijn Konijnenburg / Ryan Merchant / Ryan Tedder / Shane McAnally
