A colleague sent me this meme yesterday. It was titled – “Three Simple Rules in Life.”

• If you don’t ever GO after what you want in life, you will never have it.
• If you don’t ever ASK, the answer will always be NO.
• If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place.

One of the goals I have for all teammates in our enterprise is that we make a difference. Not just a difference at work, but wherever we go. I call that “PalletOne leaders ‘happening to the world.’”

My hope is that our culture is teaching every one of us the importance and impact of leadership and action. We can become great contributors when we see leadership in action. When leadership isn’t apparent, and it’s needed, we step up to the task.

Thus, these “three simple rules” resonated with me. They are rules that someone who “happens to the world” knows and uses.

Determining what we want at any point in time is one of the primary actions that adds purpose to our lives. Until we do that we drift. When we know what we want, we can “go” for it with zeal.

People who “happen to the world” don’t suffer in silence. They let their observations be known:

• They ask for help.
• They ask for opportunity.
• They ask for resources.
• They ask for information.
• They ask why.

Remaining silent about obstacles and opportunities means that there is “no” progress.

Therefore, people who “happen to the world” step forward. They understand that nothing good happens when everyone stays idle. They bring the “juice” by stepping forward. Their initiative, their courage, their resourcefulness inspires all around them. Those who step forward to lead or follow others in leadership are builders.

If you wonder how you can be more effective at “happening to the world,” these simple rules are a good place to start: Go, ask, and step forward.