“How many people have you served?”
The question that most of us working in mission driven organizations get asked over and over again.
I will never forget the day when I was asked this question.
It was the first week after starting, Overcoming Odds.
Very few things were developed during that time frame, yet I was already being asked what appeared to be the ultimate question regarding our work.
The question, as I learned over time, that determines whether or not you receive funding from individuals or supporting organizations.
I said, “We just started.”
The air surrounding me felt heavier, as I concluded my sentence.
I noticed his facial expression change from a place of curiosity to what appeared to be, “this is a waste of my time.”
Otherwise, known as disappointment.
I didn’t know how to proceed, as I simply couldn’t shake off the newly developed thoughts running through my head.
As I tried to explain the vision of our work in detail, he lifted his right arm, gazed at his shinny, silver, expensive watch and said, “I’m sorry, I’m late for my next meeting. Can we continue this conversation at a later date?”
“Sure,” I responded.
As we shook hands, I walked straight to my car, tears streaming down my face, thinking, “Why is this the question that determines whether or not your work is worthwhile?”
Little did I know that this question would appear at every networking event ... grant application ... sponsorship proposal .... or any other opportunity when you’re given a chance to discuss your work.
It was hard not to take it personally when asked, “How many people have you served?” especially if being asked in front of other people and having the chance to hear their answers.
“500.”
“10,000.”
“150,000.”
Numbers that were 10X or 100X compared to the number of people we were serving at the time.
In all honesty, I struggled with this for many years.
It impacted how I viewed myself.
Questions and statements such as, “Am I doing enough?, “I need to work more,” used to fill my head.
There were days when I wanted to quit what I believe to be my life’s work.
There were days when I cried myself to sleep, as I didn’t think I was making enough of a difference.
All due to wanting to meet someone’s standard of what it meant to have an impact in this world.
It wasn’t until I met Kahila Hedayatzadeh, Nicole Ash, Stacy Johnson, Brian Kelly, Mark Courtney, Elorm Ahiamadjie, Steve Boerner, and read books, including, “The Art of Possibility” that my perspective changed.
I began to think of my impact in this world, as a contribution and not a measurement of good.
I started to ask myself, “How will I be a contribution in the life of others?” instead of, “How many people can I impact today?”
This changed in mindset but it didn’t happen over night.
It took months of practice to instill this new way of thinking.
We’re all walking unique paths in life.
No one shoe fits all.
Nobody gets to determine whether or not I am being a contribution in this world.
I get to decide that for myself.
I want to hear from you, “How will you be a contribution to someone’s life today?”
If you enjoyed this, please share your thoughts by commenting below or joining us on one of our weekly, “Courageous Conversations” virtual meetup gatherings.
