This past weekend, my daughter and I went camping at Forestville State Park (I highly recommend the park). Like most campsites I’ve seen at state parks, it was clean, but there is always a little bit of garbage just a few feet into the bushes. There was a can here, a plastic water bottle there, an empty chip bag over by that tree. You get the picture.

After we set up camp, I was walking around with a garbage bag picking up these few items left behind by previous campers. My daughter asked what I was doing and I said just picking up to make things better than when we found it. In camping jargon, that is called “Leave Only Footprints.”

You can also make things better than when you found it in your professional and personal life as well. At work, help someone without being asked. Take that new employee under your wing and be a mentor. If someone is binding a proposal or is moving a piece of furniture in their office, lend a hand. If you take the last bit of coffee, make a new pot. Pick up that piece of paper on the floor as you walk by and throw it in the garbage or recycling bin. Leave things better than when you found them.

 I’ve served on numerous volunteer boards and the same applies. When you join a board, be an active participant. Join a committee or serve on the executive committee. Read the board packet before the meetings, ask questions and be engaged. You’ve joined the board to make a difference. When your term is up, make sure you leave the board better than when you found it.

Instead of leaving only footprints, leave big footprints in you professional and personal life to show others that you were here. And make things better than when you found them.