"Plus je vieillis, plus je semble avoir de pouvoir pour aider le monde; je suis comme une boule de neige - plus on me roule, plus je gagne."

As we age, we acquire more wisdom and experience, which makes us more capable of making a positive impact on the world around us. Think of life as a snowball rolling down a hill. With each turn, it picks up more snow, getting bigger and more substantial. The same goes for us—the longer we live and the more experiences we collect, the more we can contribute to the world.

This idea connects deeply with many of us as we navigate through life. It speaks to the process of growth and accumulation of knowledge over time. As we encounter various situations, both good and bad, we learn valuable lessons that shape us into better, more capable individuals. When we’re young, our scope of understanding and influence is relatively small. But as we grow older, the breadth of what we know and can do expands, giving us a greater ability to make a difference.

Consider the story of a renowned philanthropist like Bill Gates. Early in his career, Gates was known primarily for his technical genius and business acumen in building Microsoft. But as he grew older, he shifted his focus toward global health and education through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His ability to effect change didn’t come overnight; it was the result of years of accumulating knowledge, resources, and a network of influential connections. Like a snowball, his capacity to help the world grew exponentially as he rolled through the years, gathering what he needed to make a substantial impact.

So, how do we apply this wisdom in our own lives? Start by embracing the idea that every experience—whether a success or a failure—adds to our collective wisdom. Don’t shy away from challenges or new opportunities, because each one helps you grow. Keep learning, keep pushing forward, and always be open to new experiences. Think of each day as another rotation, another chance to pick up a bit more “snow.”

Imagine you’re talking to a friend who’s frustrated with their current situation—they feel stuck in their career and doubt their ability to make a difference. You might tell them to think about their life as that snowball. Every project they complete, every person they meet, every skill they develop adds to their potential. Encourage them to keep moving, keep learning, and keep growing, even if it feels like progress is slow. Over time, they’ll look back and see just how far they’ve come and how much they’ve gained.

Let me share a personal story: When I first started my career, I was a bundle of nerves. Fresh out of college, I thought I had to have everything figured out. I remember flubbing presentations and feeling like a fish out of water during meetings. But now, years later, I look back and realize those awkward moments were like snowflakes sticking to my snowball. Each experience, each stumble, contributed to my confidence and capability. Today, I can walk into a room and feel a sense of command that my younger self would have envied. It’s a continuous journey, but as long as we’re rolling, we’re growing. So, the next time you feel like you’re not making an impact, just remember—you’re a snowball. Keep rolling.