There’s a ripple effect in all that we do;
What you do touches me, what I do touches you.
Author Unknown
Have you ever written an uplifting, truly heartfelt post on Facebook – perhaps one that took real courage to click “Post” – only to find no one “likes” it?
Or have you shared a tender thought from deep within and heard nothing in response?
Have you written a blog, spoken at an event, or otherwise opened up your heart to others only to receive…silence?
These moments can cause even the most confident people to wonder, ‘What’s the point?’
We all have times when we question what we’re doing and if we’re making a difference. You might put all kinds of good out into the world through the words you say, the lines you write, and the way you lead, but rarely receive any validation that you’re impacting others. You might even decide it’s not worth the effort and choose to hold your silence instead.
But please don’t. Let the power of the ripple effect keep you sharing, uplifting, and encouraging.
We’ve all heard stories of a smile, passed on from person to person, until eventually reaching someone who feels at the end of his rope – and that smile reminds him of the good in the world. Or the patron who purchases coffee for the person behind her in the drive-thru lane and, 48 cars later, the goodwill still spreads. Last year at Spark, our attendees amazed themselves by walking through our 7 layers of the Professional Ripple Effect exercise and recognizing how their work extends well beyond their expectations.
What you do matters, whether you hear about it or not.
A few years ago, I spoke at a conference in St. Louis on the topics of strength and positive decision-making. I recently received an email from someone who had attended and, through the power of the ripple effect, shared a result that took my breath away. She graciously connected me with her daughter, Brooke, who had written this blog about her experience. This is an example of the ripple effect I never could have predicted and, had it not been for this woman kindly taking the time to write, also never would know. If you continue reading posts on Brooke’s blog, you’ll see she’s a powerful example of setting the ripple effect in motion – especially for those who have experienced indescribable loss.
Here’s the key: You need to put your good works out into the world with the trust and intention that you’re helping others, and then detach from the outcome. If you’re relying on 1,000 “likes” or for your experience to go viral, you might experience disappointment and frustration. But if you speak up and trust that you’re making a positive difference, you can freely share and let the ripple effect work its magic on your behalf.
So, BE BOLD. Speak your truth. Share your Facebook post. Write your book. Lead your team in an unconventional manner.
Do it with the intention of uplifting others.
Whether or not you hear back from them doesn’t matter. Most times, you won’t.
But when you act with trust, detach from the outcome, and operate in a service mindset, your ripple effect will radiate out and could change the world – or some corner of it – forever.
Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway.
Mother Teresa
How have you experienced the ripple effect in your work or life? Share your thoughts below, on Facebook, or via Twitter!
Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and President of MAP Professional Development Inc., Christi coaches professionals to get unstuck and flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.
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Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.