It's Not About You: A Brief Guide to a Meaningful Life

by Tom Rath

Simply asking, “What can I do for another person?” is a good reminder to focus on what’s larger than self. It also orients your energy and work toward efforts that grow in your absence.

The brilliance of the human species lies in our ability to put collective interests ahead of our own.

In my own experience, orienting my efforts to where I could make the greatest contributions, both during and beyond my lifetime, helped me to push through major challenges and made life far more meaningful.

As I have learned from experience, when you consider how short life can be, you create more meaning in the world.

When you view your time as finite, you build more life into each day.

You always have a choice of how to respond. Start by assuming the other person has positive intent.

strong relationships are the cornerstone of growth and contribution in life.

You have to find work that you know in your heart is making a positive contribution.

The work you do should improve your well-being so you can do more for others.

we must find ways to celebrate people’s lives and contributions while they are still alive.

This is what I believe we should all aim for: to make contributions to others’ lives that will grow infinitely in our absence.

Take a few moments now to think about some of the people who have had the greatest influence on your life. What can you learn from them? How can you let them know what a difference they made, before it is too late to tell them?

Next, start asking what the world around you needs today. I know from my own experience that you may not have tomorrow to do what matters most. Tomorrow turns into the next day, but you always have today.

Every morning, wake up and remind yourself: it’s not about me. Then ask yourself: How can I contribute t...