What difference can I make next?

Last year was quite rough for us all, and while sadly tragic for far too many, there were rewarding gems, at least for some people.

With all of 2021's challenging curveballs, all in all I'd say it was a year of growth for me and my family, and I hope it was a great year for you, too!

For me, one of the highlights of last year began back in May of 2021, when I was honored to be named as an industry ‘Difference Maker’ by ENX Magazine, (see page 44).

While I am proud of the accolades I received, I won't let myself rest in the laurels yesteryear’s professional achievement of being branded as a 'Difference Maker'.?Rather, I'm committed to continue growing and striving to live up to that name by making more of a difference in 2022 and beyond!

The key questions I'm asking myself are how can I continue making a difference for myself, my family, my company, my clients, my industry and globally?.

Here is the story of how I became known as a 'Difference Maker'.

I've been striving to make a difference in the IT and imaging industry for 18 years. I've received accolades and awards before.

Receiving recognition from an industry-wide publication that goes out to 30k professionals in my field signified reaching a new pinnacle in my career!

The cherry on top came in November, when ENX Magazine shared an article that was just about me titled Coast to Coast Difference Maker Alan Schwartz Molds Career to Fit his Authentic Self.

I was pleasantly surprised by one of my vendors named Lauren when she congratulated me over email for the great article which I didn't know had been published! Once I read it, I shared it with my customers and on social media.

Word spread that I had attributed some of my success to Toastmasters International. I was contacted by Stephana Johnson, CES, Public Relations Manager for District 7. She kindly asked me if I'd be willing to do a Facebook Live stream interview about how I came to be known as a 'Difference Maker'. Of course I said yes.

That conversation was fun, as Stephana has a delightfully warm and enthusiastic presence! You can read that interview from pages 34 through 37 in the November issue of Toastmaster District 7's magazine Voices!.

I was absolutely humbled! I still am. I've asked myself, "Has my recent wave of positive national attention just been dumb luck?".

Well, every time somebody tells me that they 'just got lucky', I share with them the following quote from a wise philosopher, which I also need to let sink in for myself.

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” ~ Seneca

I'm excited to continue this trend by making more positive impacts in both my personal life and professionally. Please don't stick a fork in me just yet, I'm not quite done!

I love the challenge of living up to the title of 'Difference Maker. It fuels me with a clear purpose!

2021 has been washed away in the powerful waves of time. All of our good deeds, bad decisions and ugly moments have been swept into the depths of the past. With a fresh 2022, we have new opportunities to heal, to help others and to hold ourselves to our highest standards.

Are you willing to commit with me to making a positive difference in 2022?

For those who say yes, I thank you!

Sincerely, Alan