Achieving awesome results at your job—it’s the ultimate natural high when you finish a project that’s boosted your reputation, pocketbook or both.

It’s all about the end product. Or is it? Many of us get an ego trip when we influence a positive outcome, especially at work where we’re in line for promotions or prominence. But successful results alone may not truly end in greater satisfaction about your job.

A recent Forbes article raised the question of whether results or impact best improve a career. The conclusion: aiming to positively influence others through your work creates the most powerful effect.

So Results Don’t Matter?

Striving to impact others doesn’t mean results aren’t important. They’re an integral part of the entire picture. Imagine a teacher who instructs students who earn the highest scores on annual testing. The kids perform well, the teacher earns an effective reputation, the schools ranks highly.

But what about the lasting influence on students? If they didn’t take away a more meaningful element from the class than greater skills or high-performance results, did the teacher fully achieve what he or she should have?

That question doesn’t just go for teachers—it goes for every living person. We must ask whether we’re focusing on good results or reaching to achieve the greatest positive effect for others and letting results follow.

Getting out of the Mindless Work Trap

Tons of people go to their jobs every day just because they have to. It’s not that they really enjoy it, but, rather, it’s what they chose to do. Though the career may be dull, getting that pat on the back in the form of a raise, increased respect or greater recognition makes it more enjoyable. But what about more meaningful?

Fast Company found that while we may be generally happy with what we do, we don’t necessarily consider greater purpose when we do it. When your drive stems from meaning, it changes the energy you put into your work. The change could lead to greater productivity and performance. Employees who find meaning in their work are also likely to stay at their jobs longer.

Though it sounds cheesy, the best way to find meaning is giving of yourself for the greater good. Put forth more talent, think of which adjustments improve your work, focus on why you’re doing your job (no, we don’t mean so you can pay your bills).

Perhaps most importantly, find someone cool to be meaningful with. How you’re doing a job stands just as crucial as with whom you’re working. Overall, understanding how your job makes our world better for someone else is to find meaning and purpose in what you do every day.

Improve Your Career with Teams of Tomorrow

Do you feel meaning is the most important element missing from your job? Become a positive light for others and enjoy what you do by becoming a leader for Teams of Tomorrow. Be your own boss, work at your own pace and help children develop academic and motor skills. Find out more about TOT today.