Effort does not equal impact.

How many times have you heard the phrase, “I was just trying to help.” Ironically, I think that might be the least helpful thing we can say.

But why do we feel like trying is so important? 

Why does it feel like our efforts are validated by the effort itself?

If I spent a week digging a hole and shoveling the dirt into a pile with no intention to do anything of value with the dirt or the hole, would my efforts for that week have been successful?

I mean, I tried. I exerted a bunch of energy. I put forth a lot of effort. 

But was any of it impactful?

Here’s a fundamental truth about human nature:

We’re okay with getting an A for effort and an F for impact.

“Trying” is an excuse for being afraid of doing what’s truly important. 

I will try to quit drinking if I know I’m unwilling to stop alcoholism in its tracks.

I will try to help someone by giving them money if I’m unwilling to deal with their dysfunctional spending habits.

I will try to get along with everyone if I’m unwilling to be honest with them about their misbeliefs and behavior.

Striving for effort usually creates memories you can hold onto that make you feel good.

But striving for impact creates opportunities that bring freedom to people around you.

When your son catches the game-winning touchdown pass, it makes for a great memory because he tried hard. 

But when he drops the game-winning touchdown pass, your compassion towards him makes for a great impact.

When the dysfunctional family gathers once a year for Thanksgiving dinner, it makes a memory because they were just trying to be normal.

But when you ruin Thanksgiving because you acknowledged pain and brokenness in an attempt to heal old wounds, it makes a great impact.

When you buy Christmas for a family living in poverty, it makes for a great memory. 

But when you serve the homeless and impoverished and teach them employable skills, it makes for a great impact.

Great memories can be made along the way to making a great impact. But let’s not get confused about which is worth living for. 

The generations that come after you are depending on your impact, not your effort.