The success of our predecessors teaches us that external orientation is key in survival moments. It’s about assessing external threats – what we need FROM our environment. It’s essential: don’t pet the furry animal, don’t eat that red berry.

But what about when we’re NOT in survival mode? We call those LIVING moments.

Living moments are more effective when we orient ourselves internally. Internal orientation is about assessing our internal gifts – what we can CONTRIBUTE to our environment. It’s essential: how can I help keep the furry animal away? What other berries can I share?

Survival and external orientation naturally keep us focused on ourselves. But living gives us the luxury to choose our orientation – theboss has given us the opportunity to figure out what to do. Internal orientation requires turning inward and asking, “What does my contribution look like? What can I do? What can I be?”

Anything else is likely just another form of survival.

We can’t overstate the benefits of survival, but we can miss the chance to contribute when we overinflate a classy problem.

PS … Contribution is inevitable. Are you aware of yours and how it’s making an impact?

Our Intentional Impact Exercise begins the process of that awareness — check out the exercise HERE.