How Small Actions Create Lasting Impressions and

Meaningful Connections

It’s the little things you do in life that can lead to closer connections, new opportunities, and maybe even a brand new start. With awareness, you can learn new things about yourself, as I did.

Years ago, I joined a writers’ group. My goal was to improve my skills. I had set my sights on writing a book, and I wanted it to be not just a good book but one my readers would be excited about. With hard work and dedication, I was sure I could make it wonderful.

The members of the group were brilliant writers, each with a different set of skills. Some loved poetry, others were writing memoirs, and still others loved short stories. We wrote, shared, and learned to give and receive powerful critiques.

Over time, I could see improvement in my writing, and I had the group’s feedback to thank for my growing skill.

At one point, a new writer joined our ranks. She was well-known in the community, and some would

even have considered her a bit of a local celebrity.

The evening of her first visit, we followed our normal procedure, and when it came time for the group to critique my story, for the first time since I joined the group nearly two years earlier, they had very little to offer.

C’mon, I thought. You can do better than that.

When the new participant, who was a journalist by trade, added her input, I pressed for more. I felt that, with her expertise, I could grow even more through her feedback.

"Is there anything else?" I asked after she shared her thoughts. She regarded me with a serious expression before lifting one eyebrow.

“You’re so intense,” she said with a bit of a giggle.

“Intense?” I asked, looking around the room, confused. The group members avoided my eyes, looking down at their writing or searching out the corners of the room.

I was shocked. Shaking my head, I asked, “You all think I’m intense?”

One member looked at me and answered my question with one of her own, “You don’t think you are?”

I didn’t have a clue why they would think such a thing. I wanted to be a better writer. I only asked for their honest feedback.

The impression I left them with was that I was—intense.

A few years later, I interviewed a young man for a position at our digital advertising company. He was personable, intelligent, and excited, but unfortunately, he didn’t have the skillset we needed.

I offered him a few pointers, and he left with a smile and a promise to stay in contact.

Within weeks, he reached out to tell me he had secured a position that, with focused work and dedication, offered the opportunity for quick promotions.

Since then, he has been married, bought a house, had a baby, and most recently joined a rock band as its drummer. With each event, he sent me an update.

I had no idea why this wonderful young man felt a bond with me until he sent me a note a few weeks ago.

“I am very grateful and thankful for you. When I shared my personal story with you, one that I rarely share, you reached over and gently put your hand on my arm. And I felt seen.”

The impression left with him—I heard him, and he felt seen. My heart felt full when he shared that with me. (Insert smile here!)

On a side note, I finally got that book written. I worked hard, continued asking for critiques, and listened closely to the feedback before deciding what changes to make.

After editing, I asked for more critiques from friends, family, and professionals, and I finally self-published the book in 2018.

My hard work had paid off! The reviews were more than I could have hoped for.

Publisher’s Weekly said, “By chronicling past difficulties and revealing 'discoveries' that came later, this impactful memoir will help any reader struggling with self-confidence.”

Top Shelf Reviews said, “A superbly written memoir. Highly recommended! This award-worthy book clearly sets out to help people struggling with self-confidence and self-forgiveness, and it does so with poise and heartfelt musings. Highly recommended!”

The impression left—Impactful.

(And two "highly recommended" in the same review. THIS made me very happy.)

In 2021, the book was picked up by a traditional publisher and was republished as a second edition with a new, less intimidating subtitle.

I had reached my goal!

(When you focus in on what your heart is calling you to do, you can reach your goal, too.)

If you would like to download a free chapter, click here.

If you’d like to get right to experiencing the full book, you can find it here.

The impressions you leave can move you ahead or leave you feeling stuck.

If you’re feeling stuck, I’d love to offer you a FREE 30-minute brainstorming session. No gimmicks and no pressure.

Let’s meet on Zoom! Please feel free to schedule your 30-minutes here.

Here’s to leaving a great and lasting impression!