Some people have jobs that provide clear metrics — amount of revenue, number of units produced, deals closed, etc. Others do work that is more difficult to measure — the impact of teaching, coaching, or leading, the changes made through writing or podcasting, or the long-term results of public service.
For those in the latter category, it’s always good to have an outside interest that is tangible — something through a hobby, side hustle, or volunteer work where you can see your results. For example, I know of a counselor who achieves this through gardening, a teacher who tackles DIY home improvements, and a change agent who tracks miles run in marathons. Personally, even though I am unsure as to their impact, numbering these dots provides me with a quantifiable measure of my progress.
Society needs those who work on long-term change, but most people need an occasional marker of accomplishment to remain motivated over time. I encourage you to cultivate something in your portfolio with results you can see.
