Change that begins with one person can have a huge impact. You may be familiar with the movie based on the book Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The premise of the story is that people who are on the receiving end of a good deed, in turn, pay that forward by doing good deeds for three other people, thereby creating a chain of good deeds that eventually spread around the world.
You may be familiar with
the movie based on the book Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The
premise of the story is that people who are on the receiving end of a good
deed, in turn, pay that forward by doing good deeds for three other people,
thereby creating a chain of good deeds that eventually spread around the world.
Change that begins with one person can have a huge impact. I love the idea of
paying it forward, especially teaching our children this principle to live by.
In fact, there is a Pay It Forward Foundation that does just that. They show
children, parents and teachers what it's all about. What a wonderful way to
inspire our next generation!
I've often been on the receiving end of someone who has cared enough to do
something really nice for me without being asked or even knowing who I am. And
I return the favor many times over. In this day and age, people want more
personal connection, as technology and our fast-paced world typically drive us
apart. Don't you find there's nothing worse than trying to have meaningful
shared experiences while on the run? It's like catching glimpses of what's
really important in life - the time we spend with each other and the ways we love
and support each other.
As
women, we have an innate sense of giving, so in many ways, we are programmed to
naturally pay it forward. Here are some thoughts on how you can make a
conscious effort in your everyday life to make a difference to those around you
by paying it forward:
1. Mentor a
young woman. The world can seem a little scary to our female teenagers and
young women. Their families may be a good source of support but as they grow
and start to become who they are, they can use all the guidance they can get to
understand life and make choices that will serve them well today and in the
future. Do you have a younger sister in high school, a niece in college that
you can
give your time and advice to? Is there a
younger colleague at work you could take under your wing? As well, there are a lot of community organizations like Big
Sisters that are ideal for helping our younger counterparts.
2. Perform a random act of kindness. This concept can sometimes make us
think we need to get on board with a majorly important cause like helping the
homeless. But little acts can still go a long way. Your neighborhood and your
community are all great places to start. Do you know of an elderly neighbor who
struggles with getting to the grocery store? Maybe you can organize someone to
take them (if you don't have time). Next time you're on the bus and someone
doesn't have enough change to make the fare, pay it for them. Even just helping
someone reach the top shelf of the pasta aisle in the grocery store fits the
bill!
3. Become a Volunteer. Volunteering is one of the most recognized ways
to pay it forward. Oftentimes volunteering in an area of personal interest can
be very rewarding and satisfying. Do you have a hobby you can share with
someone? If you're a rower, offer to help the local rowing club to publicize
their events or be the one in charge of the inventory. Love to dance, garden,
or read history books? Whatever your interest, there is bound to be a group
that could use your help. But again, you don't have to go the group route. You
can find connections with like-minded people in so many places; at work, at the
night school course you're taking, at the gym, etc. Just offering to help one
person get ahead with what they want to accomplish has plenty of pay it forward
style!
Paying it forward in whatever way you choose is a great way to help others and win friends and influence people at the same time. As the oft-described female Dale Carnegie, I
highly recommend it!
Influence
and persuasion expert, Karen Keller, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and
Master Certified Coach with over 25 years of experience. She focuses on women's
leadership and empowerment as well as executive, personal, relationship and
life coaching. She is also a successful entrepreneur and author. Her other
areas of specialization include mentoring, sales techniques, success skills,
intuition, body language, management development training, motivational speaking,
and corporate training. Discover Influence It! Real POWER for Women now! For
your free subscription visit http://www.karen-keller.com.
