Sometimes you need to look back to move forward. Looking back in history we uncover how people connected on the basis of their shared values and ideas. When they connected they started communities, companies, revolutions – they made a difference. What about BIG differences today?

Do you want to begin making a difference ?. Someone who has already made a huge difference is Seth Godin. Seth is an entrepreneur and the most popular business blogger in the world. He makes some profound observations about marketing ideas in this digital age. He often tells people “Go make a difference”. I wonder how to make big changes first in myself, then in people around me. All leadership starts with self, then leading others.

There are probably some things you believe in. We all have dreams, passions and desires. But how do you lead others to believe in your hobby, interest, business, or cause? William James said “The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”

We’re called human beings. But we are designed to be human “doers”, to take action and do things that are good!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:8 – 10

Regardless of your religious convictions, take a look at how Seth Godin is making a difference.

Seth Godin’s most inspiring presentation was captured at a TED Conference. TED represents technology, entertainment and design. Seth’s 18 minute talk was about the tribes we lead. He “argues that the internet has ended mass marketing and revived a human social unit from the distant past: tribes. Founded on shared ideas and values, tribes give ordinary people the power to lead and make big change”.

The book Tribes shows how technology and the social media revolution allow anyone to exert influence. Read it to discover how the Internet is breaking down barriers of geography, cost and time. We all know the web can do amazing things. Anyone who wants to make a difference now has the tools at their fingertips. However, it can’t give leadership, inspiration and hope.

Ignoring the challenge to learn to use these tools and lead will cost us. We risk turning into “sheepwalkers” who help others reach their goals instead of our own. Tribes will make you think about opportunities in your life, for leading in areas you’re passionate about.

Get inspired, challenged, and motivated to connect in new and exciting ways; to make a difference. We’re all an expert at something. It may be for profit, fun, or for a cause you believe in. Tribes will enable you to figure out how to apply new leadership principles and tools for maximum impact. You need to provide the leadership, inspiration and hope for YOUR TRIBE.

Imagine if all of us stood up for our dreams, desires and causes we believed in. Envision yourself, your family, business, village, city and country if we all started living for things that would outlast us, and make a difference with our lives.

Attitude:        Consider how you’re making a difference.

Action:         Watch Seth’s TED talk and order the book or CD.

Question:       What are you spending your life on that will outlast you?

Resource:  Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin