The author C S Lewis said something that resonated with me. I'm paraphrasing here:
Isn't it funny how day by day, it seems nothing changes, but when you look back, the world is different.
When I say we all have the power to impact the world, I don't mean we all can be Stephen King, have a string of bestsellers, create viral content, or sought after art. Let's be real; some of us may never get to have that sort of impact on a macro level. But just as significantly, you can change the world in small ways too, so let's not discount the micro impacts we can have that make a difference.
Some people will see that line of reasoning as an excuse for mediocrity, a rationalization for their lack of achievement. And for some people, maybe that's true, but for others who are committed to their craft, whatever that craft may be, fame and fortune may not be their thing.
Personally, I'm striving for commercial success. I'm consistently putting in the work, challenging myself, putting in mindful practice, and visualizing where I want to end up. But I'm aware that might not be enough. What if, for some reason, I don't get to where I'm aiming, not for want of executing. What if something is missing that I'm not aware is limiting my exposure? Does it mean that my writing doesn't matter? Of course not. Does it mean I should rein in
my enthusiasm? No.
All I need to know is this.
Does it bring me joy? Does it leave me fulfilled, give me release? Does it change me, challenge me, allow me to grow and evolve? Does it connect me more deeply to who I really am?
Does it make me feel alive?
Making your art matters, even if no one ever sees it.
Even if no one seems to care.
You see it, and it makes a difference to you. And if it makes a difference to you, it will begin to make a difference to others. And big or small, you will be making an impact in the world.
As a young writer, I struggled with comparing myself to the best writers on the planet.
How stupid could you be?
If I didn't have the talent or experience of an Octavia Butler, I told myself what was the point of doing what I'm doing. Luckily I came to my senses and realized I had something unique to say, something that only I could express. That changed my whole approach and freed me to pursue my calling without my inferiority complex getting in the way.
A few emails ago, I talked about success as something you attract by the person you become. Having an impact on the world is something similar. You can change your part of the world by the person you become. That just means you must embrace the world around you and get excited. Follow your influences: every song you like, every movie, every book, every leader, every philosopher. Read, learn, become better, challenge yourself.
I talk about writing because that's what I do, and I have a kinship with the creative arts, but you can make your impact in whatever field you feel passionate about. And let nobody tell you otherwise.
Throughout history, there have been people that have inspired mankind to reach higher heights. But they couldn't have done it alone; they would never have been able to. Their impact was a significant one because others helped make it so. Their names may be in the history books, some of them at least - so many others have been cheated out of even that accolade because of their skin color, but that's another story. By and large, impacting the world is a
team effort, so anyone with determination and vision can contribute in a big or small way.
Just be true to yourself, and only this once, size doesn't matter.
