Is it possible to be so focused on your own mission that you miss an opportunity to make a bigger impact? This recently happened to me.
It was a slow Saturday morning, and I decided to grab donuts for my family from our favorite local spot. My mission was simple: get donuts and get home.
As I waited for my number to be called, I noticed an older gentleman in line. He casually complimented the person next to him—just a small, unexpected moment of kindness.
I smiled, observed, but stayed focused. “Get donuts. Get home,” I thought.
Then, a commotion at the register caught my attention. The same man was now in an awkward exchange with the cashier. He was trying to pay for his donuts, but his bill was too large—over the store’s $20 limit.
“I’m sorry, I can’t accept this,” the cashier said.
The man, visibly frustrated, quietly argued his case. He had the resources but couldn’t use them.
I watched, curious about how it would play out, but still focused on my own mission. Get donuts. Get home.
Then, without hesitation, a woman from the back of the shop stepped forward, tapped her credit card, and simply said, “I got you.”
The man hesitated but ultimately accepted her kindness, overwhelmed with gratitude. He hugged her and repeatedly said, “Thank you, thank you.”
And then, just as quickly as she stepped in, the woman left—without even buying donuts for herself.
And Me?
My number was called. I got my donuts. Mission accomplished.
But as I drove home, a thought hit me hard:
“Matt, you were so focused on your mission that you didn’t even think about helping.”
Ouch.
It’s true—the idea of stepping in never even crossed my mind. I was so locked in on my goal that I failed to see an opportunity for impact right in front of me.
I accomplished my mission. My family was happy. But my impact? Limited.
That woman’s quick, selfless action didn’t just impact the man in line—it rippled outward. And I missed my chance to do the same.
A Leadership Lesson in a Donut Shop
As leaders, we’re wired for mission. Success, recognition, and compensation often revolve around achieving it. But when we’re overly fixated on the goal, we risk missing out on a much greater impact.
Consider this:
A leader is focused on hitting quarterly goals. It’s the mission. But in a team meeting, they notice one of their team members is quieter than usual. Instead of pushing through the agenda, they take a moment to check in.
It turns out, the team member is feeling overwhelmed juggling multiple projects but wasn’t sure if they could ask for support. By simply noticing and engaging in a quick conversation, the leader offers encouragement, helps prioritize tasks, or shifts a small piece of work—lifting a weight off that person’s shoulders.
A small moment, but a big impact.
That’s leadership beyond the mission. That’s creating ripple effects.
Where Do You Go from Here?
If we focus only on accomplishing the mission, we risk limiting our impact. But when we widen our awareness, we create ripples of influence far beyond what we originally intended.
Here are a few questions I’m reflecting on—maybe they’ll challenge you, too:
- Awareness & Perspective – Am I so focused on my goals that I’m missing opportunities to make a greater impact? What signs am I overlooking in the people around me?
- Empathy & Connection – Do I take time to check in with my team beyond performance metrics? How can I be more intentional in noticing when someone needs support?
- Action & Influence – When I recognize a need, do I step in or assume someone else will? What’s one small but meaningful way I can create a greater impact today?
Mission matters. But true leadership isn’t just about achieving the goal—it’s about elevating others along the way.
What about you? Where might you be limiting your impact without realizing it?
👉 If you want to explore how you might be unintentionally limiting your impact—and how to expand it—message me or schedule a call. I’d love to help you uncover new ways to lead with greater awareness and influence.
One Intentional Move 