Tag Archives: Significance

We make our world significant

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“We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers.”

—Carl Sagan, 20th Century American astronomer & planetary scientist

Image from Unsplash by NASA

As a science buff growing up and even today, Carl Sagan has always been one of my heroes. He was a leading figure in popularizing science through his books and the television series Cosmos, which became PBS’s most watched show for decades.

Sagan was instrumental in researching the potential for extraterrestrial life, demonstrating amino acids production from basic chemicals. He designed the Pioneer Plaques and Voyager Golden Recording, intended as a universal message for any extraterrestrial intelligence.

Among his numerous accomplishments was his role as an inspirational mentor to notable scientists including Neil deGrasse Tyson and countless young people who chose to follow in his footsteps.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do you courageously question your place and purpose in life and dig for the answers to make your time here even more meaningful?

“Start chipping away.”

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“Start chipping away.”

—Arthur C. Brooks, American author, public speaker, and academic

Image from Unsplash by Dominik Scythe

From the moment we are born, life appears as an additive process. We gain all types of life experiences, lessons, relationships, and other stuff as the years go by.

As we enter adolescence and adulthood this process seems to increase exponentially. Our growth and added strength have given us the capacity to carry many things, and so we do. There is a ton of evidence out there that doing and having more is how to play the game.

At some point however we begin to tire. The ability to discern the truly important parts of life from the less has us looking for some relief. Our efforts can shift from the pursuit of success to a sense of greater significance, in which less is more.

EXERCISE:

How can you sculpt your life by chipping away at more of the non-essential aspects of your world?

To the world, you may be one person

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“To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”

—attributed to Brandi Snyder

Image of a parent and child

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

One of the greatest sources of life satisfaction for many of us is the desire to make a difference.

I’m not talking about leaving a monument to your success or an achievement noticed by many. I’m referring to the difference we make in the lives of others, by being parents, colleagues, mentors, and yes, coaches.

It seems that the more we give to others in these areas, the more we receive.

Exercise:

Who in your life means the world to you? Who are the people who have made this impact in your life?

Look for ways to be intentional about fostering such relationships, and other ways to show your gratitude for them.