In a world that often measures success by tangibles—titles, bank balances, and social media followers—it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters: making a significant impact through our work. But what does it mean to be significant in our careers, especially for us creators who live to build and make things?
Focus on Contribution, Not Comparison
In the age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel. But significance comes from contribution, not comparison. Your work doesn’t have to be groundbreaking to be significant; it just needs to contribute value in its own unique way. Whether you’re helping one person or one thousand, the real measure of significance is the difference you make in the lives of others.
Start with Why
Simon Sinek famously said, “Start with why.” This is where significance in our work begins. It’s not about what you do or how you do it, but why you do it. What drives you? What’s your purpose? When your work aligns with your values and passions, it not only fuels your motivation but also resonates more deeply with others. This alignment creates work that feels significant not just to you but to those it touches.
Embrace the Art of Learning
Seth Godin often talks about the importance of being a lifelong learner. The pursuit of significance in our work is also a journey of continuous learning and growth. It’s about being curious, asking questions, and being open to new ideas and perspectives. Every challenge and failure is an opportunity to learn and evolve. The more we grow, the more depth and significance our work can achieve.
Build Connections
Significance is not just about the work itself but also about the connections we build through our work. It’s about engaging with our community, listening, and responding to the needs and desires of those around us. These connections not only enrich our own lives but also amplify the impact of our work. In the words of Seth Godin, “Art is what we call it when what we do connects us to someone else.
Take the Long View
Our society often prioritizes immediate results, but true significance is a long game. It’s about planting seeds now that will grow over time. This means thinking beyond quick wins and focusing on creating lasting value. What legacy do you want to leave through your work? How can you contribute to something bigger than yourself? Taking the long view shifts our focus from fleeting success to enduring significance.
Photo By Lizzy Shaanan / Pikiwiki Israel
For instance, consider the career of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Known for her iconic polka dots and infinity rooms, Kusama’s work didn’t achieve widespread recognition until decades into her career.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including mental health struggles and the skepticism of her work, she persisted in her unique vision and artistic endeavors. Today, she is celebrated as one of the most significant artists of our time, with her exhibitions attracting millions of visitors worldwide. Kusama’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a lifetime dedicated to one’s craft. Her significant body of work, built over years of consistent effort, now stands as a beacon of creativity and resilience.
By embracing this long-term perspective, we can see that our daily efforts and dedication, even when they seem small or inconsequential, are the building blocks of a significant legacy. It’s the body of work, developed and refined over time, that often becomes recognized and celebrated, leaving a lasting impact on our fields and the world at large.
Generosity: The Keystone of Impact
Generosity infuses your work with significance. It’s about sharing knowledge, lifting others, and creating with an open heart. This spirit of giving not only enriches others but comes back to you tenfold, deepening the impact of your work and connecting it to a larger story.
This doesn’t necessarily mean giving away your work for free but rather adopting a mindset of abundance. Share your knowledge, support others in your field, and look for ways to use your work to contribute to the greater good.
The Value You Can’t See
In our pursuit of significance, the most profound impacts are often the ones we don’t see. They’re in the lives we touch, the communities we build, and the legacy we leave.
Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
When your work is the kind that leaves a lasting feeling of inspiration and connection it starts shaping a legacy not just of accomplishments, but of meaningful impact and shared growth.
Enjoy!
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