What’s the lasting impact I want to have on my industry or community?
Considering the lasting impact you want to have on your industry or community is a profound step in shaping your work and purpose. To begin this reflection, think about the values and skills that are unique to you. What problems do you see that you feel called to address? Often, the lasting impact you leave is an extension of who you are and what you deeply care about.
A practical starting point is using the Capture, Develop, Expose framework:
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Capture: Look around and take note of the gaps or issues in your industry or community that speak to you. Jot down observations about what you feel needs change. For me, it was the lack of resources for creatives looking to transition from traditional careers.
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Develop: Identify your strengths and passions, and think about how they can be leveraged to address these gaps. Develop ideas or solutions—no matter how small they may seem. When I shifted my focus from engineering to creative work, I developed resources and support systems for people on a similar path.
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Expose: Don’t hold back your work from the world. Share your insights, offer help, and collaborate with others. The change you want to see will often require a community effort. By exposing your work, you build momentum and invite others to join your cause.
Consider your own moments of struggle or frustration and ask how you can ease those for others. Wanting to create more opportunities for diverse voices? Start by mentoring or creating platforms for those voices. Maybe you wish the industry embraced more sustainable practices. Begin documenting and sharing practical ways companies can implement greener strategies.
Remember, when I wrote "The Corporate Dropout," it wasn’t just about sharing my journey but creating a resource that could inspire others to forge their own paths. Your impact doesn’t have to be monumental at the start. It's about planting seeds of change and nurturing them over time. Define success according to the values and changes you want to see reflected in the world.