Service Beyond Self Quotes

“The actor, writer, and director Woody Allen once said, “80% of success is just showing up!”

You Can Show Up By . . .

• Participating.
• Sharing ideas.
• Being dependable.
• Keeping your word.
• Taking the initiative.
• Volunteering to be of assistance.
• Being there when a friend needs you.
• Raising your hand and asking questions.
• Attending your children’s sporting events.
• Taking your place and claiming your space.
• Demonstrating that you have something to offer.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Mingle

• Be the connector—introduce people to each other who may not otherwise connect.
• Be a conversation fire starter; point out what people have in common as you are introducing them.
• Seek out the folks who may appear to be shy, or awkward, or wallflowers. Find ways to build trust and comfort. Engage them with a kind word to pull them out of their shell.
• Arrive early and stay late; connect with people before and after your event.
• Stretch beyond your comfort zone to speak with, sit with, and start conversations with people whom you do not know.
• Offer to refill someone’s drink or clear their plate.
• Encourage introductions: “There is someone whom I would love for you to meet . . .”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Your business is your platform. Your profit will be determined by the lives you touch through your service. ”
― Germany Kent

“Compromise where you can and serve where you can't.”
― Jamie Hallman, The Expectation Gap: Change Your Expectations to Transform Your Relationships

“Get in the Game

“As soon as you say something can’t be done, you will be passed by a person who is already doing it.” – Unknown

“Do you typically observe the game of life from the sidelines, sit in the penalty box, play your heart out on the field, or show up when the opportunity has already passed by and ask, “What happened?”
Your answer to this question will reveal a lot about your initiative. Granted, various situations call for diverse levels of interest and engagement. However, if you want to rock your relationship results, it is going to require action, effort, initiative, and choosing to get in the game.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Be the "Liker"

“If you want to be liked, BE THE LIKER!” This was some of the best advice my enlightened mother ever gave me. Throughout my childhood, teen years, and adulthood, this golden nugget of simple wisdom empowered me to take personal responsibility for developing friendships.
When you want to reach out, make new friends, and increase your likeability factor, step up and “like” others first. They will usually mirror your initiative and like you back.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Ignoring his advice, I got up, walked over, gently rested my hands on two of their shoulders and said, “Ladies, I have to tell you how much you have impressed me. I just moved to Madison from Florida and left behind all my girlfriends. I have been sitting over there admiring your friendships. You remind me so much of my girlfriends back home and I had to come over and speak with you.” And without missing a beat, I next asked, “Can I be your friend?” They were so impressed by my sincere request, they kindly opened their circle and invited me in.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Begin to take the initiative when you want to meet someone new. Be the one who steps forward first. Simply say hello and begin a conversation.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“I spend a great deal of time on airplanes traveling from one speaking engagement to the next. There have been times when I have sat for hours next to strangers with whom I never made eye contact or uttered a word. But then I have also met people with whom I engaged in such delightful conversation that it resulted in new business and referrals. The main difference was whether or not I took initiative to begin a conversation.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Introduce Yourself. Being confident and outgoing will empower you to approach new people who might be reluctant to take the first step. It is amazing how many people we come in contact with yet pass like ships in the night without any engagement or connection.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Take the initiative to introduce yourself. One morning I was sitting on a bike in a spinning class at my gym. There was a lady whom I did not know sitting on the bike next to me. As we waited for the instructor, I decided to break the silence and start a conversation. I took the initiative to introduce myself and within a few short minutes, I knew her children’s names, how long she had lived in Madison, which exercise classes she preferred, and where they went for Christmas. When the class was over, I confirmed that I remembered her name correctly, reminded her of mine and shared that it was a true pleasure meeting her. A simple introduction turned a stranger into a fresh and delightful new acquaintance.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Extend Invitations

"How many times have you sat at home alone feeling jealous or sad that you were not invited to a party or out to dinner? You may have seen people having fun on Facebook and wondered what it would take to be included next time. And when you don’t feel included, it can leave you feeling rejected, dismissed, lonely and excluded. It does not have to be this way. Why do we wait for others to do the inviting? You can change your social life instantly by taking the initiative to reach out and connect with someone.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Be the Inviter

“When I began my speaking career, I designed and delivered motivational programs for children teaching them success skills for life. Before going into a middle school one year, I interviewed the principal, Alexis Tibbetts, to ask what words of wisdom her students desperately needed to hear from me. She shared, “Kids can be so cruel. Some of the children never feel included or a part of something special. Please tell them that rather than being lonely and getting their feelings hurt, they can start doing the inviting.” Her words were spot-on. Alexis went on to become a well-loved superintendent of schools in Okaloosa County, Florida. Her words of wisdom were game-changing for her students. They can be game-changing for you as well.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Imagine how many new friends you would make, how much new business you could create, and how much fun you could have by simply taking the initiative to be the inviter.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Imagine how many new friends you would make, how much new business you could create, and how much fun you could have by simply taking the initiative to be the inviter. Try it today. Welcome new relationships into your life that would never have occurred otherwise.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“I disagree with the adage, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Good intentions are powerful mindsets which will drive your actions to accomplish the results you want. Setting good intentions sets you up for success by providing you with a vision and a plan to “get ‘er done” and make it happen!”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“The road to hell” (in the metaphorical sense, of course), occurs when the people who have good intentions fail to act, follow-through, or live up to their promises, all of which creates stress, frustration, and disappointment. People can be earnest and well-meaning, but their words become hollow when actions do not follow their words. By setting good intentions and taking deliberate action to back intentions up, you can transform your results.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Why Do Some People NOT Take Initiative?

• They have a FEAR of . . . rejection, looking stupid, failing, criticism, getting out of their comfort zone, or imposing on other people.
• They are unmotivated or uninspired.
• They get stuck in negativity, confusion, stress, or doubt.
• They don’t want to upset the apple cart or the status quo.
• They are lazy, disengaged, or indifferent.
• They have LACK of . . . energy, desire, confidence, self-esteem, skills, creativity, imagination, connections, resources, education.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“The first step in getting unstuck and moving forward is to examine what is holding you back from taking action. The power is yours to set your intention and take the action needed to create the life you desire. You are in control of your initiative—be proactive.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Presenting “Mix, Mingle & Glow” in a social context is a lovely way to describe how you can make a great first impression by taking the initiative to help other people shine. Think of the times when you have attended an event where there were a lot of people.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“ASK YOURSELF: Do you remember a gracious hostess, an engaging guest, or someone who worked the room like a honey bee in a flower garden? They would glide from one person to the next, spreading good will and cheer, being the glue that brought everyone together with ease.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Hostess with the Mostest

“Think of a time when you have had a party in your home or had friends over for dinner. Didn’t you want to make sure they were nurtured, cared for, and well-taken care of? Didn’t you want your guests to interact with each other and enjoy the experience so they would remember it fondly?”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“In his book, Networking is a Contact Sport, Joe Sweeney advises that when you attend networking events, act as if it is your party and you are the host or hostess. By doing this, you will help others be at ease and demonstrate a heart of service and generosity.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Inversely, when you are in a small group of people or friends and you don’t make the effort to speak to everyone, it may be considered as rude. Rather than run the risk of people feeling neglected or dismissed, make the effort to Mix, Mingle, and Glow . . .”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Mix

• Be situationally aware and pay attention to the people in the room.
• Introduce guests or help strike up a conversation.
• Be the one who takes the initiative and makes and effort to “work the room.”
• Make eye contact and acknowledge others with a smile and friendly gestures.
• Greet people as they arrive, even if it is not your expected role.
• Spot the people who may be first timers or guests and help them feel more welcomed and embraced.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Glow

What can you do and how can you be in order to bring out the best in others and truly help them shine?
• Be complimentary; say something nice.
• Be a great listener and make them feel like you are hanging on every word.
• Create enthusiasm and anticipation for the person they are getting ready to meet.
• Act as you have personally invited them to the party and help ensure they have a wonderful time.
• Give people an experience, not just a conversation”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

“Nowhere in Scripture is one encouraged to develop a philosophy of Christian living, beyond the instruction which Christ Himself has given: the duty of service (Lk. 17:10; Rom. 12:1).”
― Enoch Burke, The Hedonism and Homosexuality of John Piper and Sam Allberry: The Truth of Scripture

“Real achievers and successful people do not use people to amass resources unto themselves; they use resources to add value to people and improve society.”
― Dele Ola, Pursuit of Personal Leadership: Practical Principles of Personal Achievement

“The human transformation by self-realization creates value for the world.”
― Lenfantvivant

“Teaching, in its noblest expression, transcends the mere transmission of knowledge. It is an act of selfless love, where the master, far from seeking to impose their greatness, becomes the bridge facilitating the student's growth. The teacher helps the student explore and realize their abilities, guiding and supporting their journey toward profound development.”
― Marie Chieze, Words of the Shaman: 50 Quotes from Paching Hoé Lambaiho