In my early 30s, I was full of fire, purpose, and the conviction that I was going to change the world. Fueled by a mix of youthful energy, overconfidence, and inspiration from the human potential movement, I truly believed I was unstoppable.

But then, life happened.

Suddenly, my focus shifted to questions and concerns that seemed more immediate, more personal:

• Will I have enough money for retirement?
• Should I take up running or stick to spin class?
• Why is my metabolism so slow?
• Why are interest rates so high?
• How do I balance self-employment with work-life flexibility?

Over time, the big dreams of saving the world quietly faded into the background. Every now and then, I’d feel a twinge of guilt, like when I’d watch a Netflix documentary about someone overcoming impossible odds to create meaningful change. I’d tear up, Google a few things, and then… back to regular life.

But one day, I stopped and asked myself a hard question: Am I making enough of a difference? Would the 30-year-old version of me be proud of the person I am today?

The answer wasn’t clear. So, I started small. I asked myself three questions to take inventory of my life, and these questions sparked changes I didn’t even realize I needed.

1. Are you doing at least ONE thing JUST for you that you love? This is so important. So often making a difference became about self sacrifice and it stopped becoming about joy. This morning, I watched a quick reel by a very wise acquaintance from high school (shout out to Chris S. DeMaio ) who reminded us to “prioritize joy.” For years I have said I would go back to some sort of performing or singing and I never made it a priority. I never was actually making a difference in my own life. So this fall, I joined a community women’s choir. Sure I am trying to manage the budget, set up the Facebook page and already volunteered to host the holiday gathering, but yes, I did something for me! Doing something you love isn’t selfish, it’s an act of self-replenishment.
2. What are you doing that MULTIPLIES through others? Too often we underestimate how what we do multiplies through others. Think of what you do and how other people are empowered by it. Who do they empower or reach through being empowered by you in some way? I know you may need to be creative here, but stay with me here. Recently I just finished teaching coaching skills to a group of school administrators and leaders throughout Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties. I was so inspired by how excited they were to practice their coaching skills. They would go away from each workshop and come back with stories of how they tried and who they inspired. At my last session, a woman shared how she transformed an entire process and helped a group of educators set long-term powerful SMART goals because of a challenge she took on in our program. I could see teachers and students all being impacted by this woman and it was something we ignited together. Never underestimate how the seeds you plant in others can grow far beyond what you can see.
3. What causes or organizations have you supported recently with time, resources, or advocacy? I know our time is often the last thing we have extra of. In the last year, I made a choice to become part of an inspiring organization called Impact 100 Garden State. Through a one time annual donation, this organization provides transformational funds in the form of grants  to organizations that reach underserved populations, and to highlight unmet needs in the areas of Arts & Culture; Children & Families; Education; Environment, Preservation & Recreation; and Health & Wellness. I have begun to volunteer in several ways to support the organization and also have met some amazing women leaders in my community. If you are someone that isn’t a fan of giving to large organizations and not knowing where the money goes, this is the exact opposite. Each grant is tied to a specific program that we as members get to actually vote for and see unfold. It is beyond inspiring and we know that the grants go to local organizations that are making a difference. 

Some of us are built for global change, and if that fire still burns in you, by all means, go tend to it. But for many of us, the challenge is to simply reawaken to who we are now. To embrace the person we’ve become and rediscover ways to make a difference; big or small, global or local, personal or collective.

So, take stock. Ask yourself these three questions. You might just find that making a difference starts with something as simple as rediscovering joy, recognizing your ripple effect, or giving your time to a cause that speaks to your heart.