People always ask me why I’m so kind.  More often than not, I will do something spontaneous for someone and they will sit there in awe wondering, “What have I done to deserve this?”

My answer: “this is what you get for being you.”

Regardless of who you are, what you do, random act or not, we can all benefit from more kindness in this world. Let me ask you this – when was the last time you did something kind for someone?  For some of you, maybe you don’t remember, but for those that do, how do you remember feeling?

Tests have shown that people who practice kindness on a regular basis are happier and more inspired than those that don’t. Believe it or not, by performing an act of kindness, you are more likely to feel better than if you are the recipient of a kind act – even though the feeling is oftentimes mutual.

So what inspires me to go out of my way to make someone’s day?

By making people feel good it will empower them to want to pay that good feeling forward

My hope is, that by making people feel good it will empower them to want to pay that feeling forward. By accomplishing this, I’ve suddenly touched the hearts of many by taking five minutes out of my day to make someone feel good. Now what’s a better feeling than that?

Scale it up

You don’t have to be a leader or manager to engage in this practice – Anyone can empower those around them through kindness

Absorb that for a second and translate it into an organization. By taking the time to make a connection with someone, you might empower them to do something great.  Even if they don’t end up paying it forward, you can be assured you’ve at least made a friend and had a genuine conversation with someone whom you might not have otherwise bothered to connect with.

In an organization, practicing and preaching kindness can result in a tighter team with a higher retention rate and an overall better culture. The best part of this is, you don’t have to be a leader or manager to engage in this practice. Anyone can empower those around them through kindness.  It costs little to nothing, and can have a profound effect both within and outside the organization.

So this holiday season (and beyond), get into the spirit and be kind unconditionally. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve. 🙂