Norton: Bring out the difference maker in you
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” — Michael Jordan
Let that quote sit for a moment. Let it challenge you.
Because in today’s fast-moving, tech-saturated world, it’s easy, tempting even, to outsource initiative. Information is on demand. Groceries show up at your doorstep. Artificial intelligence can write your emails. We’re living in a time when tasks once considered necessary are now optional or automated. But here’s the truth: There will never be a substitute for the human spirit set on making a difference.
Yes, technology can help. It can save time, spark ideas and extend our reach. But the spark, the heart behind real change, comes from you. You, with your God-given gifts, experiences, grit and compassion. You are the one who makes it happen.
Being a difference maker isn’t about grand gestures or public recognition. It’s about a consistent willingness to show up. To serve. To give. To lead with a servant’s heart, freely, generously, cheerfully. That’s what separates the people who wish and want from the ones who do.
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But let’s be real: Sometimes we don’t feel like we’ve got anything left to give. Life has a way of draining our tanks. Maybe you’re feeling overextended at work, at home, in your community. Maybe you’ve poured into others for years, and you’re wondering, “When’s it my turn?” Or maybe, like so many, you’ve drifted into a mindset of convenience. After all, why go the extra mile when you can just click a button?
Here’s why: Because deep down, you want to matter. You want to be the one who makes things happen. And the truth is, you still can.
Start by getting proactive. Don’t wait to react to life, lean into it. Take initiative. Set the tone. Be the thermostat, not the thermometer. Then add intentionality. Being proactive is good, but without intention, it can become just more busywork. Intentionality means doing the right things, for the right reasons, at the right time. It’s what transforms action into impact.
Ask yourself: What difference did I use to make that I’ve stopped making? Who have I stopped serving, not because I don’t care, but because I got distracted or discouraged? Where can I make something happen today, with no expectation of reward, just the joy of contributing?
You don’t need a title, a platform or permission. What you need is the decision. The decision to say, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” That quote by Denis Waitley isn’t just motivational, it’s directional. It points us toward ownership, toward action, toward meaning.
We can’t let convenience rob us of calling. We can’t let fatigue steal our fire. And we certainly can’t expect AI to take our place in the hearts and lives of the people around us. The world doesn’t just need more content, it needs more difference makers.
So here’s your invitation: Look at your life, your team, your family, your company, your neighborhood, and ask, what’s one thing I can do today to make something happen? Not for applause, but for impact. Not for validation, but because it’s who you are.
Authenticity is the heartbeat of a true difference maker. When you show up as your authentic, imperfect, fully engaged self, people don’t just see you, they feel you. They trust you. In a world full of filters, curated images and polished personas, being genuine cuts through the noise like nothing else. It’s not about having all the answers or being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about being present, consistent and honest in your intentions. When you lead with empathy and act from a place of sincerity, your impact becomes more than just what you do; it becomes who you are.
Has the difference maker in you been dormant for a while, maybe even too long? Or are you always looking for an opportunity to help or serve in some way? As always, I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we adopt the philosophy of “If it’s to be, it’s up to me,” it really will be a better-than-good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager, and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
