It's a Wonderful Life
‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ I’m not ashamed to admit, is one of my favourite films of all time. This timeless classic follows the life of George Bailey, a frustrated businessman who contemplates suicide believing he’d be worth more dead than alive.
James Stewart’s poignant portrayal of Bailey captures universal questions that we all ask ourselves at some point: What do I mean to others? And, what difference do I make?
For George Bailey, he learns his true value after a series of flashbacks giving him a glimpse into how life would have been if he’d never been born. He realises what a role model he is, how he touches others’ lives and what a remarkable difference he makes to his community.
In running your own business or leading a busy life juggling several responsibilities, you never really stop to think about the impact you make. You should…
When you first start up in business, the focus is on what your USP is or how you can differentiate yourself from competitors. For it to be meaningful, you have to make a commitment; honour what you stand for and be true to yourself.
Sometimes life presents you with a ‘George Bailey’ moment – that stops you in your tracks and takes you down to earth. The moment catches you off guard, takes your breath away and changes something inside.
I was an English teacher in a previous life, responsible for guiding young people through their often anxious teenage years. Oh … and for teaching them the wonders of English! Although I taught over 3000 students, some were unforgettable.
One student possessed a wisdom and intelligence I rarely saw in a 14 year old. She would sit in the corner and just absorb the lesson. We clicked straight away!
Officially in the bottom stream or lowest set, I expected her to have several literacy problems. Yet, as soon as I read her writing, I couldn’t understand why she was in the group. Apart from a punctuation weakness, her style was smothered in originality and depth.
Despite my protests, she remained in that class, surrounded by others who either didn’t want to learn or found it incredibly difficult to.
I was fortunate to be able to see this young person through her GCSEs, and knew that once I’d taught her class for the last time, something very special would leave me. When I saw her ‘A’ grade result, it was a proud moment…
Even though she’d been labelled as an under-performing student, she rose above it and proved everybody wrong. For that, she earned my admiration and respect – which time hasn’t stolen.
I thought of her many times over the years and secretly hoped she’d use her writing gift in some way. Yet, when I looked at my own life, I knew it wasn’t easy to follow a dream. It took several life-changing events before I decided to live mine.
Why am I sharing this now? This girl means nothing to you. She’s a part of my life, my memories, my education.
It has something to do with the fact that after 10 years, she decided to look for me online. It’s to do with the fact that she emailed asking for advice. It’s to do with the fact that she explained I’d made such an impact on her all those years ago, she now wanted to live her dream and write…
It was a moving moment, knowing she was still out there and that she had been inspired to change her life. It felt good to know that my words had meant something to her. Perhaps the difference was that I believed in her at a time when she didn’t believe in herself.
Think of the difference you make to others’ lives. Think of how special those heart-felt testimonials from clients are … or how your colleagues rely on you for insight. Look at how you solve your customers’ problems. When you unwrap the layers, you see that you are really selling peace of mind, time, reassurance, freedom, escapism – to name but a few.
Running a business is sometimes fraught with drama, stress and uncertainty. Perhaps the next time you feel the pressure of it all or you’re frustrated by situations, try to look at it from a positive angle.
Focus on what you can do; strive to solve problems rather than be beaten by them. Above all, realise the power you have to influence change.
What difference do you make? And does it make a difference to you?
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What a beautiful blog. I have to say I wouldn’t be where I am today if it hadn’t been for an amazing English teacher I had at Secondary School who saw in me something that I couldn’t. She pushed and encouraged me to be better than I was.
I guess we all have those George Bailey moments in life. I guess when I look back and think perhaps I should have done this or I should have done that I then look at my gorgeous daughter, reminding me that we are the choices that we make, and if we did change things in the past, we wouldnt have some of the best parts of our present now.
Hi Helen
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I’m so pleased my post resonated with you!
Life’s packed with inspirational moments, that we’re simply not aware of at the time. It’s so true that events and people shape us – and actually make us who we are.
My motto is not to regret anything – but, to embrace every moment as something that enriches us in the long run.
Your daughter is lucky to have you. Thanks for such a special reply, Helen.
An excellent lesson. Thank you!
My pleasure, Ian. Glad you enjoyed the post. Sometimes, it’s important to remember how important we are and the power within each of us…
Thanks again.
What a lovely article! Thanks Nikki for reminding me of impact we make in peoples lives. For my own experiences I remember being asked by my English teacher to write about the inside of a ping pong ball! Funny what you remember years later
I hope this lady follows her dream somehow. Thanks for sharing
A really important reminder Niki of the impact we can have on others lives, and not only for the good. I can still remember a teacher (50 years ago!) who called me a “little laundry maid” because I was folding my hankie while she was talking to the class. Good for you that your impact was so positive. I hope you keep in touch with your student and see her blossom even more.
Thanks for your comments Ann and Max. It’s amazing when we think about what and who have helped to shape us…
Thank you for the generous opportunity to share these thoughts Nikki. Over the years I’ve watched my clients transform and the fear of their lives and their bodies peel back to reveal strength and beauty. I gain so much from something that I find hard to call my work. I love what I do and that’s because I share such pre’given journeys. Clients have often given up on themselves and believe others have given up on them’. A question most commonly asked…”Do you believe I can do this?” My answer… a resounding YES! I know I make a difference and we all do, remember that!
Thanks for such a thoughtful contribution Jayne. It’s very true: sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Rather than being self-deprecating, we should be proud of what we have achieved and open our eyes to the power we have within.
A lovely blog and goes to show, sometimes being just you is enough! Many businesses have too much of a corporate personality and hopefully with social media many businesses can give a more personal approach and show there is someone behind the name
ps. really like your style of writing, as it flows really well when reading