When I think of making a difference, there’s one item that always comes to mind: a Sharpie marker. I carry one as a reminder that my life is making a permanent mark on my wife, daughters, family, friends, co-workers, and everyone else I interact with every day. My desire is to leave a unique impression on their lives – a mark that no one else could possibly make.

But how do you make a difference and leave a lasting impact?

1. Explore Your Strengths

The first element of impact involves asking the hard questions: In what area(s) do I have the greatest potential? This is different from asking, What do I like? What will make me money? What makes me happy in the short-term? There are many pursuits that you could give your life to—and you could make a decent living in the process. But there are very few things that you have the chance to make a permanent mark with.

There are many clues that can help you discover your strengths with which to make a mark. Personality tests, asking advice from close friends, and spending time reflecting on past successes and failures are practical steps that will refine your search.

Prayer is the most powerful tool at your disposal as you explore your strengths. Psalm 139:13-16 is an incredible reminder of how God creates each one of us for a purpose.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

In light of these words, begin your search by asking God to reveal His unique plan and purpose for your life.

2. Make a Plan

Once you identify your strengths, what will you do about it? How will you measure progress? A few years ago I created the first version of my lifeplan. This has proved to be a great tool for clearly identifying where I’m heading and setting a schedule to regularly evaluate progress.

3. Take Action

In today’s society, it’s easier than ever to expect that success will find you overnight. The reality is that most people will not experience their greatest work until many years of consistent effort have been invested. Making a permanent mark is hard work and it comes from a commitment to stick with something for the long haul. Many people miss out on this as they jump from opportunity to opportunity instead of pursuing a specific path.

4. Celebrate Progress

Hard work produces results. When you experience progress, it’s essential to notice and make time to celebrate. Both small wins and big wins deserve time for recognition and reflection.

If too much time goes by without making progress, it’s hard to stay motivated. It may be a sign that it’s time to make a change of course. Progress keeps us moving forward. Understanding what led to success allows us to repeat it. Don’t get so focused on the next goal or project that you miss the chance to recognize mile markers along the way.

5. Recognize Your Influence

Your influence may seem small right now but there are several people in your life that you influence more than you know. As you continue to grow, the number of people you influence and the depth of your influence will increase. How you use this influence is crucial. It’s a daily commitment to look for opportunities to use your influence in positive ways.

Are you making a difference and leaving a lasting impact?

Additional Resources

Can you state God’s purpose for your life in one short sentence?  The Blueprint for Life eight week study will help you discover the life you were born to live.  The study contains a strategic life-planning workbook and ten audio messages featuring Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Tony Evans, John Maxwell and others. Now available for digital download.  Click here to check it out!