IMPACTFUL: Part 3 – Why this? Why me? Why now?

Recently I was asked why I am so passionate about using B1G1 to do something about the Sustainable Development Goals?

Why, specifically, I have set a target of unlocking 61 million days of help by 2030?

And why I retired early to spend every waking minute looking for new ways we (i.e. you, me, our businesses and our families) can all make that kind of difference?

So here is my answer…

I’m doing this because it matters. And it matters profoundly.

I'm doing this because it gets me up in the morning with a smile on my face, a spring in my step and joy in my heart.

I’m doing this because it brings even closer together as a family. It gives us even more of a shared purpose and shared meaning.

I’m doing this because creates a profoundly important legacy for our family from here to eternity.

I'm doing this because of my parents. Because of Mum and Ron. In honour of them, and because I want to make them proud. I want them to be remembered. I want them to know that something good came from their sacrifices in bringing us up.

I'm doing this for my children.

I'm doing this for my grandchildren – including those who have not even been born yet.

I’m doing this for my loved ones. For those I have lost. Those still with us. And those yet to come.

And for your loved ones too.

I'm doing this because my generation has done extraordinarily well. Because my generation has taken too much and not given enough. Because my generation has consumed too much. Has destroyed too much. Has ignored too much. And now it's time for my generation to do something positive to redress that balance.

I'm doing this for my legacy.

I'm doing this for all the generations to come.

And doing this for the planet.

I'm doing this FOR humanity. And BECAUSE of my humanity.

I’m doing it because of a faith in humanity. Faith in the power of kindness. Faith in the future. And faith in the belief that enough good people exist.

I'm doing this because I want to live my values… and not just list them.

I'm doing this because it's self-evidently the right thing to do. Self-evidently a good thing to do.

Of course, I also recognize that it's not enough. I need to do other things too. But I'm doing this because it's a great place to start.

I'm doing this because it's a great way to make a statement.

I'm doing this because it's a great way to inspire others. To show leadership. And to be the change I want to see. A great way to be a role model for my family, for my children and grandchildren.

I'm doing this because I can. Because I know I should.

I'm doing this because I know my Mum and Dad want me to. Because I know my kids want me to. Because I know my grandchildren, who don't yet have a voice, would want me to.

I'm doing this because, if I don't, how can I expect anyone else to do it?

I'm doing this because if I don't play my part, how can I expect anyone else to play their part.

I'm doing this because I don't want to sit on my hands or blame other people.

I'm doing this because I know it's not acceptable to hide behind excuses like “there's nothing I can do”. There is always something I can do. However small.

I’m doing this because I know that if we all say “I can't do very much and therefore I won't do anything”… nothing will ever get better.

And I know that if we all say “I'll do what I can, even if that is only a little”…. then all those little acts of kindness will add up to something wonderful. Something transformational. A better life and a better world for us all.

So, ultimately, I'm doing this for you, for me and for us.

I’m showing how the Power of Small can truly become the Power of All.

Next time…

In future editions of IMPACTFUL I will get back to sharing many more practical and inspiring examples of the ways B1G1 is helping us to become more richly rewarded in our businesses and our lives.

IMPACTFUL is a blog series by B1G1 member Steve Pipe. You can connect with him here, and see why we named him B1G1’s first Global Impact Envoy here.