When we talk about growth in life, leadership, or even building a lasting legacy, many of us imagine standing on stages, leading teams, or launching big projects. But the truth is this: real growth often begins in the quiet, humble act of serving others with what you already have: your gifts, skills, and talents.
I learned this lesson not from a book or a classroom, but from an experience that changed the course of my career and my leadership journey.
A few years ago, I wanted to transition into a new industry. I didn’t have the network, experience, or credibility in that field. The easiest thing would have been to give up, to say, “I’ll wait until someone gives me a chance.” Instead, I chose to volunteer with an organization in that industry. I showed up where I could, used the skills I already had, and gave my time without expecting anything in return.
At first, I was just helping out with small tasks, but those small acts spoke volumes. My willingness to serve opened doors I didn’t even know were there. Soon, I was entrusted with supervisory responsibilities, leading teams of other volunteers. What started as a simple act of service became a training ground where my leadership was noticed, tested, and sharpened.
That season of service prepared me for my first paying job in the industry. And even more than the paycheck, it gave me confidence, resilience, and a reminder that when you sow your gifts into others, the harvest always comes back to you.
John C. Maxwell once said: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Serving others demonstrates care in a way words never could.
Why Serving Others Matters
- It makes you a person of value.
When you serve, you stop asking, “What can I get?” and start asking, “What can I give?” That shift not only helps others but also establishes you as someone worth remembering. People gravitate toward those who add value. - It sharpens your skills and grit.
Serving creates opportunities to practice in real life. You learn faster when you are actively doing, solving, and helping. Grit is not built in comfort but in showing up consistently even when it’s inconvenient. - It builds strong relationships.
Serving connects you to people in ways titles and positions cannot. When you work alongside others, share challenges, and celebrate wins, you build bonds of trust and respect that can last a lifetime. - It accelerates your leadership journey.
Leadership is not about position, it’s about influence. Serving gives you influence because people see your heart before they see your title.
A Practical Guide for You
- Start where you are. You don’t need a grand stage to serve. Use what you have right now.
- Be consistent. Show up. People remember reliability more than brilliance.
- Stay humble. Serving is about others, not about recognition. Recognition will follow, but it should never be the motive.
- Reflect often. Every service opportunity teaches you something. Ask yourself, “What skill did I sharpen today? What lesson did I learn?”
The Legacy of Service
As you serve others with your gifts, you are doing more than just helping in the moment. You are sowing seeds into your future. You are laying the foundation for a legacy of leadership and impact. The people you serve today may become your collaborators, your advocates, or even your employers tomorrow.
Looking back, I’m grateful I chose service over self-pity when I was just starting out. That one decision to give my gifts away freely became the stepping stone to the opportunities I have today.
So, as you begin your career, entrepreneurship, or leadership journey, don’t despise the days of small beginnings. Don’t wait for the “big break.” Instead, ask yourself: “Whose life can I make better with what I have today?”
The answer to that question might just change your life.
Because providing value for others consistently makes you a person of value, sharpens your gifts, and deepens your relationships. When you lead from that place, you don’t just build a career you build a legacy.
Your gifts were never meant to sit idle. They were meant to serve. And in serving, you will find both growth and greatness.
Ready to start serving with your gifts and see the impact it has on your life and that of others? Join the Propelled Life WhatsApp community, where we share practical tips, inspiration, and accountability to help you grow as a leader and build a lasting legacy.