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

by Tom Rath

Life is not about you. It’s about what you do for others.

Your life has an unknown expiration date. Your efforts and contributions to others do not. The time, energy, and resources you invest in people you care for and your community keep growing forever.

Your greatest contributions are what you put into your closest relationships.

giving another person your undivided attention is a measure of how much you care.

When you see a rare opportunity, take it. Life is too brief for living with regrets.

Tell someone how they have contributed to your life . . . while they are still around to hear it.

the most meaningful contributions in life start at home.

All the talent, motivation, and hard work in the world will not be valued or remembered if it does not help another human being.

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

Every morning, wake up and remind yourself: it’s not about me. Then ask yourself: How can I contribute to another person’s life today?