Leave Your Mark Using Your G.I.F.T.S.
“Hide not your talents; they for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?”
- Benjamin Franklin
I am a professional watcher. I sit back and observe people's actions and their effects on that person and others. I have watched people fail and succeed. The ones who fail usually do the opposite of what those who succeed do. Each individual defines “success,” but being successful enough to leave your mark is an entirely different level of achievement.
The critical thing to understand is that the key to leaving your mark lies within you—in the unique G.I.F.T.S. that all of us possess but not everyone chooses to use. By leaning into the qualities that make up your G.I.F.T.S. —Grinders, Internally Driven, Focused, Transformational, and Synergetic—you can achieve your personal goals and inspire others along the way. Let me show you how these traits can help you leave an indelible mark on your life and the lives of others.
The Power of Grinders: Passion
The first trait in our G.I.F.T.S. acronym is "Grinders," which I define as those who are never satisfied that enough is enough. A Grinder sees a problem and will “grind” it down into gravel to be used as a foundation upon which to build their dream. When I think of a Grinder, my first thought is Bruce Lee. Lee practiced martial arts for a year but found that the schools of thought did not focus on what he felt was necessary, so he developed his unique system of life and in the world fighting. Later, as an actor, he grew tired of the “system,” so he started his own production company, which allowed his genre to skyrocket. Lee’s relentless work ethic and commitment to innovation have revolutionized the film and martial arts industries and set forth a level of commitment that others have followed.
Grinder Mentality
· Dedication: Achieving success requires unwavering commitment to your goals. You don’t work on a clock anymore; you work until the job is done, all of the “i’s are crossed, and the t’s are dotted.” And yes, I am aware that typically, you make sure that the “i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed,” but that’s how a normal person will work; that’s not enough for a Grinder.
· Resilience: Hard workers learn to overcome obstacles rather than shy away from them. The ability to reduce these obstacles is the hallmark of a genuine Grinder.
· Consistency: Regular effort leads to mastery and, ultimately, success. When you are consistent, the people who work with you will find their rhythm, making your work days efficient and effective because everyone knows their role in the process.
By adopting the Grinder mentality, you cultivate a mindset that thrives on effort and determination. Remember, every memorable achievement begins with a single step forward—Move or Die … it is up to you.
Internally Driven: The Fuel of Motivation
Next up is being "Internally Driven." This characteristic emphasizes intrinsic motivation—the internal compass that guides us toward our passions and aspirations. Those who are internally driven do not rely solely on external rewards; they find fulfillment in pursuing information that fills their internal stockpile.
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the most influential figures in technology, was internally motivated. Gates and Paul Allen would break into the computer technology building at UW to get more time on the mainframe. Gate’s relentless work ethic and commitment to innovation have revolutionized the tech industry and set the bar for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Cultivating Internal Motivation
· Find Your Passion: Understand WHY you do what you do. These are things that you will get paid to do that you would do for free. When you chase your passion, time no longer exists.
· Turn Your Dreams into Reality: Once you understand your passion, define what success looks like for you and set the mile-markers (goals) that will lead you to accomplish your dream so you can achieve your passion.
· Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress along the way to maintain momentum. If you don’t take time to look back at how far you have traveled, the journey loses its meaning as you hit your goals.
Being internally driven propels you toward your goals and inspires those around you to seek out their motivations. Embrace what makes you tick!
Focused: Goal-Oriented Mindset
Focusing means channeling your energy toward specific objectives, which is vital for making a lasting impact. A focused individual knows how to prioritize tasks and avoid distractions that could derail their progress.
My dad, a huge Boston Red Sox fan, introduced us to the legend of the “Splendid Splinter,” Ted Williams, from a young age. Williams is the last batter to hit over .400 in a season in MLB. He did this by focusing on everything that came into being the best batter possible, knowing the opposing pitcher and understanding his stance and grip on the bat. But mostly, he watched the way the ball left the hand of the pitcher and the projected path of the ball. He knew his strike zone so well that he would not swing at a ball outside HIS hitting zone, even though the ball may be a strike. Knowing the chances of success without the fear of striking out takes incredible focus and discipline. His ability to focus on the keys to being the greatest hitter to play the game of baseball is the same mindset that we need to have to become successful in our endeavors.
Strategies for Staying Focused
· Speak Your Truth into Reality: By sharing your passion and your goals to achieve it, you will have a support team that understands your WHY. They will become your “pit crew” and keep you focused and moving forward along your journey.
· Break Down Tasks: Tackle larger projects by breaking them into manageable steps. Put deadlines on these tasks so that you are constantly pushing to keep the momentum of your progress moving forward.
· Limit Distractions: Identify potential interruptions and create a workspace conducive to productivity. Move away from people who are pushing a negative narrative. These people are distractions that will end your journey. They do this so you don’t leave them behind.
When you maintain focus, every action becomes purposeful. This goal-oriented mindset enhances efficiency and allows you to contribute meaningfully to your endeavors.
Transformational: Change Agents
The transformational aspect of G.I.F.T.S. refers to individuals who can change themselves and inspire change in others. These people are not just passive participants; they actively seek ways to improve processes, uplift communities, or spark innovation.
Mahatma Gandhi is the quintessential transformational man. Starting as a lawyer, his life’s arc changed the world as we know it. His ability to transition from the poorest neighborhoods in India to meetings with the most influential people in the world makes Gandhi a person we need to lean into. He had no army. He didn’t threaten destruction. He led with peace. He changed people’s minds with common sense. This ability to bring about change should be a template for how we should do business.
Becoming an Agent For Change
· Embrace Adaptability: Stay open-minded and ready to pivot when necessary.
· Lead by Example: Inspire others through your actions and values.
· Empower Others: Share knowledge and resources to uplift those around you.
Transformational leaders create ripples of change that extend far beyond themselves. Whether through mentorship or innovative projects, strive to be a catalyst for growth wherever you go.
Synergetic: Path Makers
Lastly, we have "Synergetic" individuals who recognize the value of collaboration and community building. They understand that we can achieve far more together than we can alone.
One of the most difficult “bridge-building” projects was done by Dwight D. Eisenhower when he became the Supreme Allied Commander in World War II. By the time the United States entered the war, it was already in its third year of fighting. The Germans and Italians had done what they intended across Europe. Dealing with several countries who all wanted to alleviate the fighting on their borders, the egos of military and political leaders, and doing what was best to win the war, Eisenhower had a thankless job. He would bounce from one contentious meeting to another. Ultimately, General Eisenhower built bridges that led everyone to the result they all wanted. Victory. In our work and our lives, if we can bring people like “Ike” did, we can change the world we live in.
Building Synergistic Relationships
· Network Effectively: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your vision.
· Foster Teamwork: Encourage collaboration within groups for shared success.
· Study Diverse Perspectives: Embrace ideas from different backgrounds; they enrich creativity.
Synergetic thinkers pave paths for themselves and others, creating environments where everyone can thrive. Seek opportunities for collaboration and watch as collective efforts lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Unleash Your G.I.F.T.S.
Gathering all of your internal and external G.I.F.T.S.—As a Grinder, Internally Driven individual, Focused goal-setter, Transformational leader, and Synergetic collaborator—is essential in leaving your mark on this world. Each quality complements the others, forming a powerful toolkit for personal growth and societal impact.
We must believe that we all have these G.I.F.T.S. in us because we all do. We start down a slippery slope when we don’t believe in ourselves and our ability to make things happen. Always know that you are unstoppable. Use your G.I.F.T.S. to leave your mark.
As you reflect on these traits, ask yourself:
· How can I become more of a Grinder in my pursuits?
· What motivates me internally?
· Am I staying focused on my goals?
· In what ways can I inspire transformation?
· How can I expand my synergistic relationships?
Embrace your unique G.I.F.T.S., take actionable steps towards using them daily, and watch how they empower you—and those around you—to make an enduring difference!
Have an amazing day!
