Making Your Life Count: How to Put Stamps on the Passport of Your Life

Finding Purpose in Every Action

We often hear the saying, "live life to the fullest," but what does that really mean? It means being intentional with our actions and making sure that everything we do leaves a mark, whether on the people we meet, the places we go, or the impact we create. Recently, an encounter with my puppy and my travel passport reminded me of this. It wasn’t just a literal bite mark in my passport but a metaphor for how we should be sinking our teeth into life to be remembered for something meaningful.

1. Make Your Days Count: Life Stamps Are More Than Just Travel

When traveling, a passport gets stamped at every new destination, marking an experience and a memory. Similarly, we should strive to collect "stamps" in our lives through meaningful experiences. I asked myself: Do you have stamps in your life? Are you actively filling the pages of your life with experiences and stories worth telling? It’s not only about seeing the world (though I highly encourage it), but it's also about exploring the depth and breadth of experiences wherever you are.

Action Step:

• Identify one new experience you can have in your current surroundings. It could be something simple like visiting a local market or trying a new hobby. Make it a goal to pursue something you’ve never done each month.

2. Be More Like My Puppy: Sink Your Teeth into Your Goals

My puppy didn’t hesitate when he found my passport; he sunk his teeth into it without thinking twice. Likewise, we need to approach our goals and passions with the same tenacity. Whether it’s a career move, a personal growth initiative, or a contribution to your community, it’s essential to put your energy where your passion lies.

Action Step:

• Write down the top three things you want to be remembered for. These could be traits like kindness, hard work, or specific contributions. Then, write actionable steps you can take every day to solidify those traits.

3. Have a Clear Motive Behind Every Action

When I was in Mexico, my trip wasn't just about relaxation. I was working on a new book that will be in both English and Spanish. Everything I did on that trip was intentional, driven by a clear purpose. Having clear motives doesn’t mean we’re always in grind mode; sometimes, the goal is as simple as taking a walk to clear your mind or exploring to learn a new culture.

Action Step:

• Set an intention for every task you do this week, no matter how small. Ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” Even if it’s as simple as taking a walk, have a clear reason in mind, like gaining peace or clarity.

4. Create Stamps in Your Life by Exploring and Growing

It’s easy to settle into the familiar, but that won’t help you grow. When I used to travel for speaking gigs, I’d sometimes stay holed up in the hotel, missing out on what the new city had to offer. Now, I take my sister's advice: I arrive, drop my bags, and go explore. This mindset has taught me to embrace new environments and immerse myself in local culture.

Action Step:

• Challenge yourself to try something new every week. It doesn’t have to be a grand adventure; it could be as small as reading a book in a new genre or visiting a local exhibit.

5. Leave a Mark with Every Interaction

We’re not just trying to be remembered after we're gone. The question is, Are we making a difference in our everyday lives? It's about leaving a mark on everyone we encounter. It could be a smile, a compliment, or a word of encouragement. Even small actions can leave lasting impressions.

Action Step:

• Make a conscious effort to be a positive influence on those around you. Offer genuine compliments or simply listen when someone needs to talk. Small gestures can leave big marks.

6. Be Intentional with Your Time and Effort

When you focus your energy and time on what matters, people will remember you for it. Whether it's your family, community, or work, when you actively contribute with intention, you’re not just passing through life—you’re making every day count.

Action Step:

• Evaluate where you’re spending most of your time. Is it aligned with the things you want to be known for? If not, reallocate your time and energy to those areas.

7. Take Action Now

My puppy took a bite out of my passport, leaving a permanent mark. It’s funny, but it also serves as a reminder that action, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, can leave a lasting impression. The key to being remembered isn’t just in having grand aspirations, but in taking real action towards those aspirations.

Action Step:

• Commit to one concrete action today that aligns with your goals or passions. Take that first step, no matter how small it may seem.