Impact, Not Income!

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

“Life is about making an impact not making an income.” Kevin Kruse

Service, giving back, helping others, and contributing are all feel good activities that we can do. I genuinely believe they are fundamental in living a life with greater freedom, fulfilment and happiness. And the ability to have a positive impact on the lives of others is available to us all. We can all do something every day that aims to serve others and have an impact.

Contribution and service must come from a place of good intent and genuine care. However, as I see it, this notion of giving, helping others and having a grand impact is often done out of self-interests, satisfying the ego and self-gain. Service to others is not about me, it’s about you. Having the wrong intent can have the reverse affects – confinement, isolation, dissatisfaction, discontent and sadness.

The implications between income and impact are delicate and subtle and can be controversial. If the intent in giving to others is purely out of self-gain, for example, making an income, the benefits of service may be short-lived if at all realised. Here are a few associated rewards of giving, happiness, reduction of pain, decreased anxiety and depression, healing, improved health, a longer life, and an increased sense of purpose and significance. These are all very self-fulfilling however are only recognised if the impact you make is from a place of genuine intent and good reason.

The world operates on a currency system. Income allows us a certain standard of living. Making a dollar is an important part of life. Money can bring us great things and more importantly, wonderful experiences. It can also allow the size of our impact in this world much more significant. Impact and service come before profits. The goal is to help others. Today, many of the top and most successful companies realise is. They start from a place of genuine care.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.