I usually start my Saturday mornings by reading blogs, articles, or newsletters I subscribe to. Some may think there are other ways I could begin my day, but for me, I carve out that time for learning and growth. With coffee in hand, it’s my way of sparking thinking for the week ahead and generating ideas for writing and reflection.

When I opened my friend George Couros’ weekly newsletter last week, it didn’t surprise me that he was doing what he does best…shining the light on others. He’s done this for me countless times. George continuously models and illuminates the idea that we must lift others up so they can be better for the students, colleagues, and communities they serve.

This quote struck me:

“When you have the spotlight shining on you as a leader, the best thing you can do is turn it around to shine that light on others.”

Think about that. You have the unique opportunity to recognize the gifts in others…gifts they may not see in themselves. This sentiment is written throughout my book, The Leader Inside. 

A few weeks ago, George did it again, he featured one of my blog posts on his own blog, the very blog that once inspired me to start and maintain my own. When I thanked him for making my day, he simply replied, “YOU made your day.”

Then, my friend Sean Gaillard, another person who lifts me up and shines the light on others so well shared that he had mentioned me to an author of a book I’m currently reading. She replied that she knew who I was and said I had a great blog. That comment made me pause. I was honestly shocked. At that moment, I was reminded that people are watching, even when you don’t realize it. Our impact may be wider and have more reach than we think.

That’s why I’m writing this post.

Now, I know what you might be thinking…aren’t blogs a thing of the past? With so much content flooding our feeds these days, from social media posts to podcasts, it can feel like everyone is creating something everywhere, all the time.