Chances are if you really pry and ask someone what their ultimate goal is in life, there’s a high likelihood they’ll say some version of the following: “I don’t necessarily know what it is or how I’ll do it, but I want to have an impact.”

Heck, I’d say that.

But what the hell is impact and how do we know if we’ve “had” it? First, let me briefly try to define impact.

The most appropriate definition that I’ve come up with describes impact as:

The resulting effect, positive or negative, that the actions we take have to change the physical or mental state of others around us—and therefore have the power to change the future path of an individual or group. For the purposes of this post, let’s focus on positive impact.

In my mind, there are three distinct types of impact, no one better than the next, that you can strive to have in life.

Personal Impact

This type of impact occurs when you’ve affected your immediate circle of influence—friends, family, spouse, partner, etc. This is often our most common form of impact due to our proximity with those affected. Impact in this realm might be as simple as boosting someone’s confidence or providing comforting support.

Likelihood of consistent impact: High

of people potentially impacted: Few

Community Impact

This type of impact revolves around the change you can promote through your actions on a community level. Neighborhoods, churches, schools, towns, etc. Impact also acts as a ripple effect—if you’re able to change the life of one individual who’s part of a larger community web, this is considered community impact.

Likelihood of consistent impact: Low to Medium

of people potentially impacted: Many

Global Impact

The last type of impact focuses on the largest possible group—mankind. While very rare, this is often the type of impact that most people aspire to have through a variety of means. Maybe they’re focused on becoming a doctor who will find a cure for cancer or maybe they’re trying to become a politician who can alter the legal system to protect our climate. While the likelihood is lower, the impact is greater.

Likelihood of consistent impact: Very Low

of people potentially impacted: Millions

I’d argue that we each should strive to have some sort of impact in each of these types throughout our lives. They’re interconnected—personal impact may lead to global impact and vice versa.

The final point I’ll make is that impact is inherently altruistic—by achieving it, one may not reap any rewards personally, but that’s what makes it the purest form of change. It all revolves around action in the end.

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Jane Goodall What are your thoughts on impact? Are there other types that I’ve forgotten? Or a different way of looking at it? Let me know in the comments below.

Cover image via Unsplash