Yesterday, I spoke to an audience of 800 incredible health care leaders. It was an amazing day, and I’m inspired by their example, impact, and crystal clear mission: Commitment above all to the care and improvement of human lives.

I believe we are most fulfilled with someone or something to care deeply about, a compelling challenge, or a mission to undertake. But, that does leave you exposed.

The other option is to play it cool, play it safe, and live detached from potential disappointment. This strategy seeks safety but invites the bigger risks of apathy, loss of meaning, and isolation. So, let me share four ways you may care, to consider.

1. Care about you. Job one is to take care of your health, well being, and ability to keep going and growing. You can’t give away what you don’t have.

2. Care for others. The verb “care” conveys two simultaneous meanings: to be concerned, and to provide or act on someone’s behalf. We care about and for friends, family members, kids, pets, partners, and customers. They aren’t obligations. They’re gifts.

3. Care to contribute. Instead of sitting back, waiting for someone else to take the lead, care enough to go first. Or add your efforts to further fuel the momentum.

4. Care to listen and understand. When circumstances or people just don’t make sense, there’s something you don’t quite get yet. You don’t have to agree. Just care enough to ask and listen.

So, care more. Take care, give care, and be careful, because you are more significant than you realize. Until next week, know you matter, and stay Off Balance On Purpose.