Aren’t the best ideas in life so often the simplest? In the film Pay It Forward, a class of students is set the challenge of coming up with an idea that will change the world. The main character has an idea that is as simple as they come; pay it forward. He starts a social epidemic simply by doing something kind for three people. They are not allowed to pay him back, instead they are encouraged to pay it forward by each doing something kind for three other people. The idea soon spreads far and wide.
How many examples can you come up with of people being kind to you without wanting anything in return? The more you think, the more you come up with, don’t you?
Given that each of us have been on the receiving end of kindnesses of all shapes and sizes, why would we not want to pay it forward? A lift to the airport, a free bit of business advice, an introduction to a valued contact, all of these and more are the things that can make a significant difference in a person’s life. They might cost us a lot or very little indeed, but the principle remains the same throughout; being generous makes good business sense.
My own thinking is that if I am going to spend time talking to someone – even if it is for just five minutes – why would I want to send them away empty-handed?
We are resourceful people and it costs us so little to give something of ourselves away to everyone we meet. Think of it as an accelerated living legacy.
And here’s one last thought. So many times I have been surprised by the speed with which a good deed returns to me – even though that is not my motive or intention. Let’s not waste a single minute – let’s make every encounter count.
VALUING PEOPLE QUESTION: You have 72 hours to conceive of – and implement – an act of generosity. Give without expectation of reward. Give because you can!
Author: Matt Bird
