We all want to live a life that matters–a significant life. It’s in our DNA. But it doesn’t happen accidentally; it happens by living intentionally.
A general definition of a significant life is living on purpose, making a lasting impact on the lives of others. The opposite would be an indifferent life.
It takes a concerted effort to make a difference in the lives of others, to intentionally put into place plans that will result in making a positive impact in the life of each person you meet.
My own attempt at intentional living brought the unexpected but very welcome discovery of purpose which I write so passionately about elsewhere.

Here is the pattern:
I Want to Make a Difference (decision),

I Do Something That Makes a Difference (action),

With People Who Make a Difference (interaction),
At a Time That Makes a Difference (often).

Each of us has a unique story because each of us has unique gifts and talents. The stories of our lives reveal what is important to us. They are filled with drama, humour, hope, courage, laughter, sadness, challenges, and happiness. We get to write our own story. Have you thought about what you want to include in your story? The truth is that we all want our stories to be significant…we want our lives to matter. And the only way to do this is to live each day intentionally. You have the power within you to change and ultimately influence others around you to do the same. And…it’s never too late.

So how do you go about living a life that matters? This process has four steps:
1) Put Yourself in the Story,
2) Put Significance in your Story,
3) Put Your Strengths in your Story, and

4) Stop Trying and Start Doing.

PUT YOURSELF IN YOUR STORY

There are two ways to be the main character in the story. The first option is adopting a victim mentality which never takes responsibility and blames everybody else when things go wrong, while the second is choosing to make a positive difference in the lives of others, no matter the past or the circumstances, by showing them ways in which you value them.

You don’t have to go far out of your way to make a difference in the life of others. You can start with the people closest to you… begin with your family and friends and then work your way out to other people. The right way to put yourself in your story is by intentionally choosing to do things that matter to others. No one accidentally drifts into significance; it is accomplished only when you take action, not when you make excuses or blame others.

John Maxwell says, “It’s easier to go from failure to success than from excuses to success.” This is true because recognizing and accepting our failures means accepting responsibility, while making excuses is living in denial and stagnation.
Putting yourself in your story means being present in the moment, taking stock of your experiences, and using those experiences to help others. It means being front and centre in your life so that your story can influence others to make powerful, positive changes in their lives.

PUT SIGNIFICANCE IN YOUR STORY

Everyone wants to live a life of significance, even if they don’t express it. Everyone wants to be remembered as someone who made a difference in the lives of others. To live a life of significance, you must live intentionally, but often this is the hardest part, and the reason is fear. Fear of making a mistake, fear of not getting it right the first time, or the fear of moving out of your comfort zone. Truth is you won’t do well the first time you do anything. We are never good the first time. It takes a while of doing the same thing repeatedly to do something well, and even then, there is still the potential to fail. But that shouldn’t stop you from moving out of your comfort zone. If you want to make a difference in the life of others, moving out of your comfort zone is imperative. After all, how would you know how to help others if you don’t change your vantage point to see the view from another person’s perspective?

Change is uncomfortable and challenging, but inevitable. Putting significance in your story happens outside your comfort zone. You can choose to put significance in your story by moving out of your comfort zone and taking action.

PUT YOUR STRENGTHS IN YOUR STORY

All too often we blatantly ignore our strengths and focus on our weaknesses to ruminate on things we can’t do or aren’t good at. What would happen if you focused more on your strengths…on the things you’re good at and focused on strengthening them? How much more impact could you make in your world?Here are three questions to test your readiness to be significant.
1. Are you doing the best you can at what you do?
2. Are you passionate about what you are doing?
3. Do you have the resources to change your world?

These questions ask us to reflect on our strengths, not on our weaknesses. They ask us to reflect on how we can use our strengths in our journey toward making an effective and positive contribution in the life of others.

Let’s change the first question slightly: Can you be the best you at what you do? Of course you can, because there is only one you. No one else has your strengths, this combination of gifts, talents, and experiences, and only you can reach the people you are intended to reach. The people you impact are not the same people that I can impact. You are unique, and that makes your strengths significant. They are there to make a difference to your story.

The second question asks you to reflect on your passion. Think about these other questions.
What situations give you a strong urge to act and make a difference?

What is it that when you hear it, see it, or are involved with it always makes you happy?

What do you constantly think and dream about doing that would make the world a better place?

The last question asks you to reflect on the resources you have at your disposal. Your resources are the strengths you have; they can also be the friends, family, coworkers, and relatives, who have their own human, physical, and financial resources which they would be willing to share with you to help you make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Reflecting on these questions and seeking their answers is the only way to clarify your strengths and include them in your story.

STOP TRYING AND START DOING

At some point, we have all made this statement, “I’ll try my best.” Trying does not communicate commitment, either to yourself or others. Nor does it produce a life of significance.

I far prefer to hear. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Moving from an attitude of trying to an attitude of doing is the best way to start living intentionally to make a difference in the life of others.

This his is how John Maxwell defines it.

“When I talk about intentional living, I am describing a life that brings daily satisfaction and continual rewards for merely working to make a difference—small or large—in the lives of others. Intentional living is the bridge that leads to a life that matters. Good intentions won’t get you there.”

The strategy is to move from desire to action, and on to results for a life of significance.

From wishing, to intentional, to fulfilment.

Good intentions alone won’t get you to significance.