Recently, I was asked to speak on behalf of a non-profit organization, for which I volunteer. The purpose of my speech was to share why I’d chosen to sit on the Board of Directors, volunteer and hopefully persuade those listening to volunteer as well. Initially, while preparing, I struggled with articulating why I’m so willing to share my time and resources, and why others should join me…
Usually, i could simply explain that the work, I’m doing aligns with my purpose. However, everyone in my audience might not know their purpose, and I’d hate for that to be a reason they decided not to volunteer.
Then it hit me!
Another reason I volunteer is directly correlated to the Chaos Theory.
Let me explain…
The Chaos Theory is based on the premise that there is an underlying order in random data or outcomes.
In layman’s terms…
Things don’t just happen.
There are a number of sequential events that must take place before any specific event can happen. Any change in just one of the sequential events, changes the outcome of the specific event. This is also known as the “Butterfly Effect”.
A great example of the Chaos Theory at work takes place in the movie, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.
Benjamin’s love interest, Daisy ends up the victim of a terrible accident. In the movie, Benjamin (Brad Pitt) recounts the order of events and how they were played out by a number of people Daisy did not know.
Despite Daisy having no knowledge of these people’s existence and actions, the circumstances these other people put into place lead to her unfortunate fate. Take a look at the clip below:
If only one thing had happened differently…
So what’s my point…
I shared this example with the group of young professionals we were asking to join our cause and begin volunteering.
I wanted them to know that the decision they made that evening had a direct consequence on someone else and their future outcome.
They could either join our forces by volunteering and begin positively influencing inner city youth with good vibrations that I’m sure would lead to something truly awesome for those young people, or they could ignore their own power to create change and we all could miss an opportunity to transform our community, our city, possibly the nation, maybe the world.
We all have the power to influence great change! That power shows up differently for each of us.
In your case it may not be volunteering with youth or joining mission groups.
Your power could manifest itself in a smile and an encouraging word to a stranger.
A short passage from the book titled “Wellbeing” by Tom Rath and Dr. Jim Harter sums this up perfectly.
“Human happiness is not merely the product of individual province.”
My happiness…your happiness…is heavily influenced by the people who come into our lives.
Don’t underestimate the ripple effect you have on the rest of our lives. This life journey isn’t just about you and the people you choose to love. We all are intrinsically connected. It’s about the rest of us too!
What’s your ripple effect?
Change a life and stay inspired, it’s a lifestyle choice!
About the Author:
Linal Harris
Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
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