Riding waves and making ripples

In this week’s episode of the Higher Purpose Podcast, I unpack the concept of waves and ripples. Both waves and ripples are movements in response to some sort of stimulus. In other words, both are energy in motion. 

A scientific definition of waves labels it a “moving disturbance” in the body of water. Think about it, surfers ride the waves. There is enough energy in a wave to actually transport a person from one place to another. You can harness the power of the wave and ride it for some distance. 

A ripple also involves movement, but the movement occurs at the surface level of the water. Ripples have the power to move lighter objects. Think of a leaf or a feather being moved by the rippling water. It’s amazing how far a leaf or a feather may travel. That reminds me of the far-flung reach of an idea or a comment. 

Both waves and ripples involve energy and movement — or another way to think of it, both invite opportunity and action. 

Waves present opportunities and invite action however, they don’t demand a response.

You can sit on the beach and listen as the waves break and lap onto the shore — granted that’s one way to enjoy the effect of the waves and a sound I enjoy hearing. 

Or you can wade out, dive in and ride the waves and see where they take you.

There is always energy and movement present in the waves. But unless and until you seize the opportunity and take action, you’ll stay sitting on the beach watching.

I want to encourage you to seize the opportunity and take action. Every. Single. Day. 

Let me introduce you to my friend, Jason Meucci. Jason is the epitome of an action-taker and is making plenty of waves and ripples of his own. Jason joined me on this week’s podcast and shared several stories of waves and ripples. You can hear that segment of the podcast here:

What about you, have you ever paused to trace the impact of a relationship or an idea? 

If you’re anything like me, there are times when you can easily trace the relational thread and how it was weaved. And that’s what I did for this week’s episode of the Higher Purpose Podcast (more on that in a moment).

Then there are times when a relationship or an idea seems totally spontaneous, perhaps even serendipitous. You happen to be in the right place at the right time. You strike up a conversation with someone next to you in a restaurant or coffee shop while waiting in a line, or your seat-mate on the plane, train, or automobile.

Relationships are primary, all else is derivative.

We live in a relational world and investing in relationships is always a prudent investment. 

Now, about mapping a couple of specific waves and ripples. Jason and I met in person on December 26. We enjoyed a great time of connection and conversation. There was a point when it was obvious that I needed to introduce Jason to my friend Steve Browne. 

As I was sending the email to do that, I paused for just a moment to remember how it was that I first met Steve. That’s when I suddenly saw the series of waves and ripples that swept me along to meet Steve.

Backing up -- I met Steve Browne on the DAY that I launched the Higher Purpose Podcast. Before that day, I didn't know Steve and can't say for sure whether I'd heard his name or not. 

It was August 8, 2017 — the day we launched the Higher Purpose Podcast. We launched with 3 episodes and Episode 3 explored the 7 People you Meet on your Path to Purpose. In that episode, I asked listeners to tag people who had been a hero, mentor, or encourager to you. 

That day, I was in NJ just outside of NYC with a small group of friends at Mike Kim’s first Influence and Impact Conference. Early that afternoon, Mike shared with everyone in the room that I had just launched the Higher Purpose Podcast and they should pull out their phones and subscribe right there on the spot. 

Jennifer McClure was one of those in the room and I remember her shouting, “I’m in! I've subscribed.” What a fun way to launch the podcast!

In a few hours, the conference ended and I was making my way through the airport heading home when I saw a tweet from Jennifer tagging Steve Browne and thanking him for being a hero and a mentor in her life. 

Well, that ONE tweet opened the door to Steve and me becoming friends. 

But what were the waves that led to meeting Jennifer? 

 I met Mike in May of 2015 through Ray Edwards when Mike and I were both members of the Regency Mastermind that Ray led. I met Ray Edwards through Michael Hyatt…however, at the moment, I can’t recall how I first met Michael Hyatt. 

On that December day, I suddenly saw a series of waves extending more than 3.5 years and, even now, the waves continue.

I unpacked a few other waves and ripples on this week’s episode of the podcast. You can hear the whole conversation here.

If you’ve been touched by a wave or ripple through the Higher Purpose Podcast, I’d love to hear about it. We’re collecting stories that we will include on Episode 100 in about 5 weeks. Go here to record your Waves and Ripples story.

And keep making waves and ripples of your own -- who knows how far they will reach or who will be moved to action?