Written by: Alexandra Niel, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Do you know what drives you? One of my highest human drives is Certainty/Security. That is why I stayed in corporate for as long as I did. I liked the "perceived" security of a steady paycheck. I say "perceived" security because if a company decides from one day to the next to make changes, anyone could be out the door.
So when I left my job to build my own business, I had to figure out what could drive me, so I wasn't paralyzed by the lack of certainty. I settled on Caring, Change, and Contribution.
Caring because it's one of my words to live by. I know I am showing up as my best self when I show up from a place of care and support.
Change because I needed to start to change my mindset from a sometimes fixed mindset to a most times growth mindset in different aspects of my new life: changing who I was to better suit what I needed to accomplish, learning new things, growing, and making mistakes. I've never shied away from change, but I knew I was going to have to level up for this chapter.
And finally, Contribution because that was one of the very reasons why I left. I wanted to make a bigger difference, and leave a legacy that extended beyond what I was able to do on the job. Focusing outside of myself and turning my attention to the impact I want to make helps me to get past fear and uncertainty. My desire to contribute to improving others' lives is the fire that keeps me advancing.
If you are looking for a way to increase your happiness and fulfillment in life, consider contributing to others, in whatever shape that takes for you. Humans are innately driven to help others. We've been drawn to it since the beginning of time. Research has also shown that giving back provides many benefits, including increased happiness, reduced stress levels, and a stronger sense of purpose.
If you feel like you are not making a big enough difference in the world, you are not alone. That's exactly how I felt towards the end of my career in the corporate world. I was going through the motions, doing what I had learned to do and was good at, but the level of satisfaction I was getting from it was not the same. And, I didn't feel like I was making the type of impact I wanted to make. I felt I needed to contribute to something that was bigger than myself. For many that can look like volunteering your time or donating money. For me, it was doing something to help other women feel empowered and fulfilled.
So, if you're looking for a way to boost your well-being, consider giving back to those in need. You may be surprised at how rewarding it can be.
The Role of Contribution In Achieving Your Goals?
Contributing to others’ success can help you achieve your goals in several ways.
It can provide you with a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that you may be missing in other areas of your life. It can help you reduce stress levels, feel more relaxed, and increase your overall happiness. Finally, it can give you a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
When you increase your overall satisfaction with your life, lower your stress, and discover a new sense of meaning, your entire outlook on life changes. You become more grounded and challenges that would have been difficult to manage before are a bit easier. You are more willing to take risks. You see opportunities where you once saw problems and headaches. When you approach your day-to-day with an open heart, eager to see what life brings you, rather than from a victim's perspective, it all seems a little easier, even when you're going through hardship.
How To Contribute In A Meaningful Way
There are many ways to contribute, so it is important to find a way that suits your interests and passions. That can include volunteering, mentoring, networking, and financial contributions.
Volunteering is the one that comes to mind for most people. Giving your time to a cause you care about is incredibly rewarding. Do you love animals? Volunteer at an animal shelter. Did you go through a hard spell earlier in your life? Maybe serving food at a local soup kitchen is an option.
You can also contribute by using your talents and skills to help others. For example, if you are a good writer, you can offer your services to write articles for a non-profit website. Or, if your life was positively impacted by a mentor, consider becoming a mentor to someone in your organization or life who needs support. Watching them grow and flourish will be hugely satisfying.
Networking is another way to contribute. By connecting people, you can help them find opportunities they may not have otherwise had. If you are in a position to do so, consider offering internships or entry-level jobs to those who are just beginning their journey.
Of course, one of the most direct ways to contribute is through financial donations. This doesn't mean you have to be wealthy. Even a small amount of money can make a big difference. For example, $5 could pay for a meal at a soup kitchen or help buy school supplies for a child in need.
One often-overlooked way we contribute to society at large is by showing up authentically, sharing the gift of who we are with others, and giving our best. When we hide, or we play small, we deprive others of their ability to show up authentically themselves and make their contribution.
No matter how you choose to contribute, the important thing is that you do something meaningful to yourself and those around you. When you give back, you make the world a better place and improve your own well-being in the process. It's a win-win!
Picking an Endeavor
There are several things you can do to make sure that the project or endeavor you choose will be meaningful for you and increase your chances of sticking with it. There are both social and personal aspects to consider.
On the personal side, pick a cause that is aligned with your values and ethics and ensure that how you are participating allows you to showcase what you're good at, using skills you enjoy using, rather than doing things you don't enjoy. Get involved in causes that you are passionate about. When you are passionate about something, you are more likely to stick with it and see it through to the end. This can help create lasting change in the world around you.
On the social side, seeing the direct results of your efforts is hugely satisfying, and being appreciated and recognized for your efforts also goes a long way to keep you motivated. And it doesn't have to be parades and fanfares. Sometimes simply seeing a child smile, knowing you made an animal feel safe, or getting a heartfelt thank you is enough to know that you're doing the right thing!
Work towards leaving a lasting legacy. When we see beyond ourselves and know that our project will have long-lasting results and impact those we seek to help long-term, it bolsters our desire to keep helping and making a difference.
Make your contributions count by focusing on quality over quantity. It is better to contribute your time and energy to a few causes that you really care about than to spread yourself thin by trying to do too much.
Finally, remember that even small contributions can make a big difference. If everyone does their part, the world can be a better place for all of us. So I recommend not comparing what you contribute to what you see others contributing. What is important is contributing in a way that is congruent with who we are and what we can afford to do.
Conclusion
There are many ways to contribute to the world around you, and the best way to choose an endeavor is to pick something that is meaningful to you and that you are passionate about. Get involved in causes that you line up with your values and ethics, and that allow you to use your skills and talents. Seek out opportunities to make lasting change and focus on quality over quantity. And remember, even small contributions can make a big difference. So get out there and start making a difference today!
Alexandra Niel, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Alexandra Niel is a Certified High Performance and Mindset Coach and a FemCity Collective Leader. She has 30 years of experience in Corporate and is a French native who has lived and worked in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Her journey into personal development and coaching began after a personal event and she became certified by the High-Performance Institute in 2016. Alex uses a mix of science-validated methodology, experience, and intuition to help women who feel stuck in their job overcome their inner limits so they can redesign their careers for maximum impact and joy in their life, without compromising their health or relationships.
Alex loves reading, discovering new restaurants, and trying different and exotic foods and is an avid traveler. Her motto is "Life is too short to not chase your dreams."
