This thing called life that we all lead isn’t a long one. Granted, when you’re young like me it’s easy to misconceive yourself and believe life is a lot longer than it really is. We don’t have much time on Earth, therefore, it’s imperative that we live a fulfilling and selfless existence. One of the the ways to do that, you ask? Be about something bigger than yourself.

What can that be? It can be volunteering at your local church’s food pantry or at a charitable, service-oriented organization in town. It can include being a loving and supportive parent and setting a good example for your children. It can be sending kind and warm-hearted notes and messages to people who are in dire need of it. What you do to be bigger than yourself is a relatively objective and open decision, however, what isn’t is the feeling you will get from doing it: The feeling of doing something that will outlive and outlast you. The simple message is to be less interested in you, and more interested in the world around you. Additionally, most, if not all, successful leaders and individuals spend time working on something bigger than themselves and the legacy that they hope to leave.

Take the group of young leaders at the Indianapolis-based, youth fitness non-profit organization I’m employed at, Nine13sports, for example. We work tirelessly, benevolently, and passionately to get more and more youth in the city of Indianapolis excited about not only living a healthy and active lifestyle, but all of the endless life opportunities and goals they are capable of achieving in life.

As a husband, father, and professional, I stay pretty busy working to leave a lasting and permanent legacy each and every day. It drives a fire in my belly to go to bed every day knowing that I did something that day to leave the world in a better place than it was the day before. Whether that’s showing a young child how to ride a bicycle for the first time, or teaching my son the significance of using, “please” and “thank you,” I never have to look too far to find inspiration when it relates to being about something bigger than myself.

Your life’s significance doesn’t come from status, salary, or material possessions. It comes from service. Life isn’t about what you make, who you know, or what you do. The power that real purpose brings to any effort makes it all worthwhile. So take the time to identify how you connect with something greater than yourself, and prepare for the joy you will feel when you tap into that intention.

Thanks for reading!

— Chris