The world needs your light. It needs your compassion and grace. It needs your story! And what it needs is for you to be a difference maker. We know that may feel like a lot of pressure, but don’t worry … being a difference maker isn’t as intimidating as it may sound. You’re not required to make grand gestures or be famous. You don’t need to have a lot of money or have a specific job title. Being a difference maker is simple and is achieved through your everyday life.  

You can make an impact today, as you are. 

What is a Difference Maker? 

If we’re going to be literal here, a difference maker is somebody who, well, makes a difference. But how? And in whose life? And where?  

John Maxwell puts this sentiment simply by saying, “I want to make a difference with people who want to make a difference, doing something that makes a difference.” 

That being said, becoming a difference maker is what YOU make of it. And it can be done in simple yet profound ways. 
 

Seven Ways to be a Difference Maker 

As we mentioned, we don’t want the idea of making a difference to be out of reach. We are busy people with families, responsibilities, and to-do lists. So, we want to share seven simple ways to be a difference maker in your everyday life.   

Be a positive light. 

People should wonder why you’re so positive. When you walk into a room, light it up with your smile, welcoming demeanor, and infectious bright attitude.  

Positivity is contagious. Frontiers in Psychology describes Emotional Contagion in this way: “During human interactions, people tend to align with the emotional state of the other person, in terms not only of emotionally empathizing with the other but also of mimicking facial expressions and coping with bodily changes.” 

In other words, when your light shines, so will theirs. 

Share your story. 

Your story is powerful and can absolutely change the lives of those who hear it. It doesn’t matter where you’re at in your journey. There is someone who needs to hear exactly where you were, where you’re at, and where you’re going. Continue to share your story, because the next time you do may be the time that you change someone’s life.  

Listen well. 

While your story can make an impact, people also need someone to listen to theirs. Be a welcoming, non-judgmental, and listening ear for those who open up to you. When you listen well, you make a difference in individual lives. You never know the ripple effect that will result. 

To learn more about listening well, check out this Harvard™ Business article on, “How to Become a Better Listener.” 

Make connections. 

As humans, we’re meant to be in community with one another. We need each other to thrive. Be a difference maker by connecting with others. Here are a few ways to make connections daily: 

• Strike up a conversation with the cashier at the store. 
• Attend a local networking event to meet new people. 
• Send a simple encouraging text to someone you haven’t seen in a while. 
• Ask more questions in conversations. 
• Celebrate the wins of others. 
• Be your authentic self so you attract other difference makers. 

Prioritize your relationships. 

Making connections is important, but we truly believe that the biggest difference you can make is with those closest to you. Make quality time with your loved ones a priority in your life. Whether it’s your children, spouse, extended family, or close friends, invest in those relationships with your whole heart. They are what makes this world go round, and loving on them is as “difference maker” as it gets. 

Need ideas on how to connect with your family more intentionally? Check out this blog post on, “Unique Ways to Increase Your Family Connection.” 

Get involved in your community. 

Focusing outward and putting time, energy, and resources into your community will make a difference! Make it a family affair and find local community service opportunities to invest in. Here are a few ideas on how to get involved in your community: 

• Volunteer at a local food bank. 
• Visit nursing homes and spend time chatting with the elderly. 
• Seek out your local churches to get involved in community projects. 
• Support small businesses and get to know the owners. 

Make this a regular part of your life and watch how you not only impact your community but your family as well.  

Inspire others to be difference makers. 

What happens when you become a difference maker yourself? You inspire others to do the same. Imagine the effect that has on the world over time. A world full of positive people, spreading love, joy, and light is one we’d like to be a part of. 

Don’t underestimate the power of one person making a difference. 

Be a Difference Maker in Your Everyday Life 

You don’t need to become a different person to become a difference maker. You can make a significant impact in simple ways. And we hope we’ve encouraged you to shine your light and make a difference in the world around you. 

There are many everyday activities you can do in order to live a healthier, happier life. Check out our blog on, “Three Healthy Habits to Commit to Every Day” to dive deeper.