It’s up to you which sort of mark you leave behind.
I woke up this morning to a message from a gal I’ve known for about 10 years now. We don’t see one another often but she was a client for many years at a gym I owned. She sent me this photo of a ball from my gym years ago, which has made its way to another gym now and she had this to say…
“…tonight I went to pick up a slamball for a workout and look which one I picked up. It brought back a flood of memories. My first gym I learned free weight lifting. I often thank those times where I had some of the best coaching and proper techniques. We also pulled out your cookbook tonight, attempting better eating habits….”
There is honestly no better way for me to start my day than to read messages from people whose lives I’ve left an impression on. It is humbling and reminds me just how many lives I’ve impacted over the years. I often forget how many people I’ve taught how to take care of themselves and how many coaches I’ve taught, who still coach today. Teaching many, many new people the things I taught them. A rippling effect that will go on for a very long time.
We all have these opportunities each and every day. Every encounter we have, we get to decide what sort of mark we leave behind and it’s not just on that one person. We have the opportunity to impact countless lives with each person we meet.
This is why it is so necessary to be a master of your own life. Master the art of living. Take pride in what you know and what you teach others. If I was a half-ass coach who was content with knowing just enough to get by, I wouldn’t be receiving messages like this years after encounters had passed. You leave a mark when you know your shit. You leave a mark when people know they can trust you.
You are leaving a mark everywhere you go. Make it one you’re proud to leave.