56. Social Impact, Purpose & Get Your Butt off the Couch! with Anna Derinova-Hartmann

Next Level Confident

Have you ever thought about the social impact you have?

Or maybe that you have no impact? (which isn't true!)

Today we hear from Community Engagement and CSR Program Manager at Amazon, Anna Derinova-Hartmann!

We'll answer questions such as:

• What is social impact?
  
• How can I make an impact in my community?
  
• What is my purpose?
  
• How can I get off the hamster wheel?
  

“You have it, you share it."

Thinking about your social impact can be daunting. It's best to break it down especially when you're first beginning. One of the easiest ways to start contributing to your social impact is to share what you have an abundance of. Making sure you and your family have what you need first and foremost is important, but letting go of all the extras you have is a great way to make a positive impact. You could also start volunteering somewhere where there's a need.

"Don’t be afraid to have a day or two where you're not saving the world."

Doing good and helping out the people in your community is amazing. However, sometimes we get so caught up in it that we end up feeling guilty if we aren't constantly putting effort towards others. Taking time to check in with yourself and focus on what you need is just as important as helping out others. Think of it like the classic "help yourself to help others."

Remember that you aren't saving the world alone. Everyone should be contributing to their social impact so when you need a break, it's perfectly fine. When there's a team of people working together, not everyone has to to 'the most' all the time.

"You choose."

Finding out your purpose will give you a life where you get to choose. When we aren't pursuing our purpose, we end up on a hamster wheel going in circles with no aim. Once you are aware of your purpose and what direction you want to go, you are capable of directing yourself in a way that will get you fulfilling your purpose.

Action item: Get your mental and physical ass off of your mental and physical couch and do something! Whether it be reading a book, cleaning out, asking 'why' questions, or talking to your partner, just do something. And make sure you're repetitive in what you do!

Don't forget to check out Zach Mercurio for some amazing reads on purpose!

Anna Derinova-Hartmann is a Community Engagement and CSR Program Manager at Amazon and lives in Munich, Germany. Anna is a Social Impact professional, challenging social inequality and institutional barriers by empowering vulnerable social groups.

She strongly believes in the power of connections, cooperation and partnership, working hard on building bridges between various business and socio-economic sectors.

Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.