What Have You Done Today (to Make Me Feel Proud?)

Video credit: SIFE Official YouTube – SIFE Connections

Please watch the video and listen closely to the lyrics of the song.

Well??  What have you done today to make me proud?  Just a quick disclaimer: the reference to “me” could mean anyone.  I’m not judging you – just pushing you to be better than you were yesterday.  I’d encourage you to hold me to the same standard.  We’ll be accountability partners.

You’ve heard me say this and write this before.  I LOVE MY JOB.  We’re not just talking about changing the world, we’re doing it every day, empowering others with the tools they need to improve their own standard of living.  If you’re interested in learning more about SIFE, please feel free to email me at kbaumann@sife.org or visit http://www.sife.org.  I’d be happy to share more information with you about this wonderful organization.

At our most recent All Hands meeting, this video was shown.  It was a highlight montage from the 2011 SIFE World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  I had the opportunity to attend and made some new friends from close to 50 other countries around the world.  The video got me thinking about those simple, yet powerful words.  What have I done lately to make others proud?  What have I done to make myself proud?  Am I doing everything I can to make this world a better place? 

You might be thinking that this has nothing to do with job advice or my usual career tips. You’re wrong. It has everything to do with your career!  Here’s how:

Step out from the ordinary.

Don’t settle for good enough.  You’re better than that.  I know you are!  Plus, in this ever-competitive job market, “good enough” isn’t good enough anymore.  Think how you can go the extra mile with that report or task.  Even if it’s mowing a person’s yard, make sure that it’s the best looking lawn on the block by the time you’re done with it.  I’m not saying you have to work 100 hours a week to be the best.  Invest in yourself, develop your talents, solicit feedback and go from good to great!

Don’t keep it all to yourself.  Pay it forward.  Help others when the chips are down.  Karma works in mysterious ways.  Sooner or later, it all comes full circle.  Wouldn’t you rather it be good stuff that comes back around?  You never know where that person that needed a little pick-me-up will end up in the grand scheme of things.  The world gets smaller every day.

Sounds pretty simple, huh?  Try these two things and you’ll be off to a great start.  You’re going to make us all proud of what you’re doing today to make tomorrow a better place.

So, go ahead.  Ask yourself, your coworkers, your family, “what have I done today to make you feel proud?”  It’s never too late to try!