By integrating the principles of Excelerated Contribution™, you not only enhance your own life but also contribute to the well-being of those around you – service and achievement. It’s not the size of the contribution that matters, but the intention and effort behind it.
The Power of Contribution
“To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived — that is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
The power of contribution is a combination of factors. We aspire to be of Service, to do what we can to leave the world a bit better. And we set and achieve meaningful goals, BIG (Bold, Important, Gratifying) goals that provide specific things we can do, not only for ourselves but for the good of others as well.
I begin most mornings with a journaling exercise. Among other things, I write my intention for the day, an idea I got from Joshua Becker. “My Intention –> to MOWABP <-today-> I COMMIT to leaving people, places, and things Better than I find them.” (MOWABP=”Make Our World A Better Place”) This helps lay the framework for how I can be of Service to those with whom I come in contact throughout the day.
I also write down my goals – a “Learning” goal and a “Performance” goal. [Miller]. Then I write down the next step and the tasks I will complete today to move toward them.
This is how I make sure to begin my day with a mindset that includes Service and Achievement.
For you see, contribution doesn’t only involve serving others, and it isn’t only achieving personal success. Contribution, precisely Excelerated Contribution™, comes from the synergy between the two.
As you see from my journaling exercise, my daily efforts are twofold. I want to be of Service, to “give back more than I take,” and I also aim for Achievement by working toward meaningful goals. This is the essence of Excelerated Contribution™.
Excelerated Contribution™ is a balance of Service (giving back) and Achievement (reaching meaningful goals). Achievement is mainly self-focused while service is focused on other people or the common good. Inward facing vs. outward facing. Of course, we can do both. We can make our contribution intentional, combining service with achievement. It’s how we give back more than we take and leave our world a bit better. We accomplish not only for ourselves but for those we love and for the whole world.
Let’s explore how Service and Achievement work separately, how they interact, and how they create a greater impact together.
Service: Giving More Than You Take
Embracing your Excelerated Life™ is living – as best you can – a life of “meaning, purpose, and Service“. But what does that (i.e., Service) mean?
Service is leaving people, places, and situations better than you found them. It’s making a meaningful impact without expecting anything in return.
Being of Service comes in many forms, large, small, and in-between. It could entail doing daily acts of kindness, actively listening to a friend or family member, or mentoring a young person. It might involve serving on a non-profit board or even beginning a non-profit to address an area of concern. These are just a few of the many ways you and I could choose to be of Service.
We enjoy a certain fulfillment that comes from serving others. Acts of service add value beyond the efforts we put in. And while acts of service often seem selfless, they also enrich the giver. Research shows that serving others fosters deeper relationships, enhances well-being, and creates ripples of positive change in the world. As Chad Cooper wisely noted: “The reality is for us to be truly fulfilled and not just have moments or periods of fleeting happiness, we cannot just be self-serving, we also need to be servant leading to be truly fulfilled.” [Cooper]
Achievement: Striving for Excellence
Achievement is the pursuit of goals that challenge and inspire you. It’s the disciplined effort of mastering a skill, building something valuable, or reaching personal milestones. Achievement in reaching your BIG goals is an important factor in creating a life of flourishing and well-being. These accomplishments can be solely for your benefit, or you can use your achievements to benefit others as well.
However, true fulfillment doesn’t come from external symbols of success — money, titles, or accolades. Instead, lasting joy comes from pushing beyond limitations, growing through perseverance, and using your skills in meaningful ways.
Meaningful achievement has us reaching outside of ourselves. Success, as much of the Western world sees it, is focused on outward signs – the athlete’s body, the big bank account, the fine home, the hot car, and so forth. And while these aren’t necessarily wrong or “bad”, they are not what we aspire to when we seek to live out our purpose, to be of Service, and to make meaningful contributions.
Lasting happiness and true fulfillment come not from the outward signs of success, but from a different way.
Personal growth plus discipline plus perseverance help build something valuable. Achievement fuels your ability to contribute effectively.
Excelerated Contribution™: Where Service and Achievement Meet
Service and Achievement don’t have to be two separate ends we aspire to; they can be complementary forces. When service and achievement come together, the impact multiplies. Service provides purpose, while achievement equips you with the skills and resources to serve more effectively. This is the spirit of Excelerated Contribution™ — not just achieving for personal gain, and not just serving without direction, but integrating both for a higher purpose.
The Synergy of Service + Achievement
When you serve with purpose, you gain the insight and motivation that drive achievement. When you achieve with a mindset of contribution, your success benefits others as well. It’s like building a bridge: service lays the foundation, achievement builds the structure, and together they create something that connects and uplifts others.
But how do we combine Service and Achievement? Consider this example.
- Service – Giving Without Expecting Recognition
Maria spends her Saturdays volunteering at a local food pantry, packing groceries and chatting with families in need. She doesn’t seek recognition or praise; she simply finds joy in giving. Her kindness brings immediate relief to others, but her impact remains limited to this weekly act. - Achievement – Personal Success Without a Broader Impact
James is an ambitious entrepreneur who has built a successful business from the ground up. He’s achieved financial independence, developed valuable skills, and takes pride in his work. However, his focus is primarily on personal success; he hasn’t yet considered how his business or expertise could positively impact others. - Contribution – Where Service and Achievement Combine
Rachel is a teacher who not only excels in her field but also mentors struggling students, helping them discover their strengths. She combines her achievement (mastering her profession) with service (helping others grow), creating a lasting contribution to her community. Because she integrates both, her impact extends far beyond herself. She’s changing lives and inspiring the next generation.
Rachel’s story is the epitome of Excelerated Contribution™ — using personal success as a tool to serve others.
As these examples demonstrate, Service and achievement are valuable on their own, but they become truly powerful when combined.
From Idea to Action
If you are contemplating how you could combine service and achievement to achieve meaningful objectives while giving back more than you take, consider one or more of these actions.
Volunteer Your Time: Dedicate a few hours each week to volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about. Whether it’s mentoring youth, helping at a food bank, or supporting local community projects, your time can make a significant impact.
Share Your Expertise: Offer your skills and knowledge to help others. This could be through free workshops, mentoring, or consulting for non-profits. Your professional expertise can be invaluable to those who need guidance and support.
Donate to Charities: Regularly contribute to charitable organizations. Even small, consistent donations can accumulate to make a big difference. Choose causes that resonate with you and ensure they align with your values.
Engage in Random Acts of Kindness: Small gestures like buying a meal for someone in need, paying for the coffee of the person behind you, or helping a neighbor with their groceries can create a ripple effect of kindness in your community.
Support Local Businesses: Shop at local businesses to help boost your local economy. Share their services with your friends and leave positive reviews to encourage others to support them as well.
Adopt Sustainable Practices: Reduce your carbon footprint by adopting eco-friendly habits like recycling, reducing waste, using public transportation, or supporting sustainable brands. Educate others about environmental conservation and inspire them to adopt similar practices.
Participate in Community Clean-Ups: Join or organize community clean-up events. Keeping your neighborhood clean and beautiful benefits everyone and fosters a sense of community pride and responsibility.
Advocate for Causes: Use your voice and platform to advocate for important social issues. Whether it’s through social media, writing articles, or participating in peaceful protests, raising awareness can drive change.
Mentor and Teach: Offer to mentor someone starting in your field or teach skills to those seeking to learn. This can be done through formal mentoring programs or informally with colleagues and friends.
Practice Generosity: Be generous with your time, resources, and support. Whether it’s lending an ear to a friend in need, offering a ride to a coworker, or simply being present for your family, small acts of generosity contribute to a larger culture of giving.
Service and achievement together create a life of purpose, fulfillment, and meaningful contribution.
Your Path to Excelerated Contribution™
Excelerated Contribution™ encourages you to take daily, intentional actions that make a difference. As you grow, serve, and achieve, you’ll create a life of deeper meaning, greater fulfillment, and lasting impact.
Now, it’s your turn. Where in your life are you striving for personal achievement without considering its impact? Where are you serving others but neglecting your own potential for growth? How can you integrate Service and achievement in your own unique way? Try this challenge. This week, choose:
- One way to serve whether through kindness, mentorship, or direct action.
- One meaningful goal, a step toward personal achievement that aligns with your purpose.
The journey of contribution is a powerful path for leading a life of flourishing and well-being. Achieving your BIG goals can bring immense satisfaction and personal success, but when you extend those accomplishments to be of Service to others, you create a ripple effect of positivity and purpose.
By integrating the principles of Excelerated Contribution™, you not only enhance your own life but also contribute to the well-being of those around you. Whether through volunteering, sharing your expertise, donating, or simply practicing kindness, every action counts. Remember, it’s not the size of the contribution that matters, but the intention and effort behind it.
As you pursue your goals, consider how you can use your achievements to give back more than you take. Embrace the opportunity to make a difference, spread happiness, and serve a higher purpose. In doing so, you’ll find that your accomplishments become more meaningful, and you experience greater fulfillment and joy.
Start today with small, intentional actions, and watch how your contributions, no matter how modest, can create a lasting impact on the world. Together, we can build a better, more compassionate world where success is measured not just by personal gain but by the positive change we inspire in others. This is the nature of a life well-lived and the true spirit of Excelerated Contribution™. And this is how you embrace your Excelerated Life™!
How can you combine Service with your BIG goal?
What contribution will that allow you to give?
Share your ideas by leaving a post below.
Excelerated Contribution™ — achieving meaningful objectives while giving back more than you take — is one practice for creating your Excelerated Life™, a life of flourishing and well-being, and a life of meaning, purpose, and service.
Read more about the Excelerated Life™.
Resources:
Becker, Joshua. Things That Matter. New York: WaterBrook, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, 2022.
Cooper, Chad E. “The Importance Of Being In Service To Others For Your Own Success.” Thrive Global. Medium.com, March 27, 2017. Web. December 4, 2021.
https://medium.com/thrive-global/the-importance-of-being-in-service-to-others-for-your-own-success-c1d7f5711b21
Miller, MAPP, Caroline Adams. Big Goals. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2025.
This blog post includes research information provided by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. To learn more about ChatGPT and its capabilities, you can visit the OpenAI website.