Beyond Success: The Pursuit of Significance — A COS Intern Story

The following was written by COS Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) intern Dani Landivar. Learn more about the ELP here.

Do you want to be successful or significant? I remember driving home one afternoon and hearing this question posed on the radio, and it caused me to pause and reflect. Much of our modern culture focuses on success—accumulating wealth to travel the world and fulfill personal dreams. While these pursuits aren’t inherently bad, living solely for success isn’t truly fulfilling. I think John Maxwell had it right when he said, "Success is when I add value to myself, significance is when I add value to others.” 

As I observed the world around me, I noticed many people were motivated to elevate themselves and add value to their own lives. In contrast, I reflected on my role models—those who have inspired me—and realized that the individuals I admire most are those who live with a focus on significance. This insight led me to a personal resolution: I want to be significant. I aim to contribute to meaningful change in our country and add value to those around me. This commitment eventually guided me to the Convention of States movement and the Emerging Leaders Program.

This internship aligns perfectly with my God-given desire to contribute to something meaningful by cultivating servant leadership and learning practical steps for creating impactful change. I applied for the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) to gain hands-on experience and deepen my understanding of our true American history and how to restore our country to its Constitutional roots. So far, the impact of the ELP has been subtle yet profound. Through our weekly calls and reading assignments, all the interns have had the opportunity to delve deeply into our personal motivations, passions, and goals. This reflection has been transformative, helping me assess my current journey and my aspirations on a deeper level.

Entering this internship with a general idea of my goals, I’ve found it has already exceeded my expectations. I’ve learned that to contribute to meaningful change, I need a clear purpose and a defined path, guided by the Lord. This journey through the Emerging Leaders Program has reinforced the importance of prioritizing significance over mere success; true fulfillment comes from adding value to others and making a positive impact. As I progress, I am eager to continue learning and growing, and I am committed to embracing opportunities to help those in my community and beyond with the things I am learning here. Ultimately, I hope to inspire others to seek significance in their lives, fostering a ripple effect of positive change in the church and our country.

To join Dani in support of Convention of States, sign the COS petition below!