Contribution is defined as the part played by a person or thing in bringing about a result or helping something to advance.  We are all part of a network, so how are you contributing?

For most, we follow the social norm of finishing school, getting a job and with it goes our time.   We pass off our jobs as our contribution, and as a zookeeper I believed this narrative.  We work to contribute to society and make the world around us function at its best. 

For most, we stop there.  We just drift, numbing ourselves with TV, social media, alcohol, fast food, shopping... you know the list.  Time disappears and with it our dreams, talents and gifts.  A rare few find ways to make time to discover their individual contribution to the world.

Bluntly stated by Dr Jordan Peterson: "it is your moral responsibility to pursue that which is meaningful to you".  It makes complete sense that by following what you are naturally drawn to will lead you to your reason for being.  How else will you find that which you are here to contribute to the world with joy and love?  This is what makes life meaningful. 

My belief is that our legacy is not what material possessions we leave, but what we leave in other people, particularly our kids.  This really resonates with me as at my lowest point I felt I had nothing to teach my kids, or provide value to those around me.  All I knew and had done up to that point was wrong.  It took my fall to truly discover who I was, what I have to offer and redefine what I beleive about myself.  My tip: take the time to find yours, but do it without hitting rock bottom.


“At the end it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” Denzel Washington

It starts today
 
1. Get curious about yourself
You do not choose your interests, they choose you!  Take notice of what you are actually interested in.  This is more difficult than it sounds because of everything out there trying to get your attention... its about being aware of what catches your curiosity.  Follow your nose and find your interests... you will have plenty.   I've now got so many interests that I have no time for drinking alcohol or TV!  There are too many interesting things out there to be wasting time.
 
2. Get out and talk to others
Join in a group, a class, a meeting.  Get out amongst it and meet people.  If you like something and you meet people actually doing it, they are naturally interesting.  Connect with others, find a mentor and continue learning.

3. Try stuff
We all have lots of possibilities and interests.  Who really knows what you are good at?  There is only one way to find out... try all kinds of stuff.  The bucket list stuff, the side hustle ideas or the stuff you have left behind.  I started writing, which I hadn't done since high school!  It lead to comedy, to public speaking... to this website!  My contribution, and I continue to explore where it may go.