You're Probably Not a Big Shot and Can't Make a Big Difference--Or Can You?
Posted: Saturday, March 21, 2009
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
Politicians, doctors, nurses, scientists, media bigwigs and business executives all make differences-big differences in people's lives. Then of course, there are police officers and firefighters that make a big difference in lives all the time.
Politicians can make or break our economy, reduce or raise our taxes and make a huge impact in our lives-for good or bad. And do I really need to mention doctors and nurses, and their contribution to society? Certain well-respected mass media broadcasters or writers also make an enormous difference by having a vast platform to get their ideas and opinions across to millions of people. In addition, business executive's impact lives by offering gainful employment to thousands and in some cases tens of thousands. Their decisions, whether good or bad affect people's lives substantially.
Average moms and dads, uncles, aunts, neighbors or friends have motivated countless successful people who we see or read about daily. In addition, when you motivate someone to great heights-YOU are doing something big, no matter who or what you are. Good teachers know what huge, lasting differences they can make by motivating students, not so much by teaching them the subject matter at hand (of course that's important), but more so, by motivating them to passion, belief, self-growth and persistence.
How about the homebuilder, the aircraft or automobile mechanic, the baker, the butcher, the father, the mother and just the simple working man or woman across the globe-can they really make big differences in the world? Yes, they all can make a huge impact. They all can touch others in positive ways by being their vibrant, helpful, honest, encouraging self. Communicating ideas, dreams, possibilities and using their enthusiastic God given common sense can make big differences in lives. Every day people are being motivated, inspired and moved to do great things by an action or a word from someone-not a big shot someone, just a someone.
I remember the story of a recently retired, successful executive who had traveled the globe for years. One day he glanced over towards his elderly neighbor's yard and noticed his calm, happy neighbor, working away in his little garden. As he watched, he paused and said to his wife, "you know I've traveled the globe ten times over and talked to people from just about everywhere; but I look over at Bill, who worked a simple life and hardly ever left this neighborhood, and you know what? I have a sneaking suspicion he knows just as much as I do about all the things that really matter in life."
Interesting observation from an accomplished man, and I suggest he's even more accomplished now that he realizes we really are, all about the same. Moreover, I suspect he also knows that we do not have to be a big shot to make a big difference.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Very important article, Steve. And I enjoy your writing style -- very clear and convincing, the kind that communicates well. Certainly, you've made a difference with your article by motivating us to make a difference, big or small, every day. Keep writing, my friend. ~mogama~Thank you for writing. Your words mean much and are appreciated. I look forward to continue to read your articles, which are outstanding! Thanks again my friend.
Good article Steve, I enjoyed reading it thanks.Thanks Dave I appreciate your comment.
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