Bountiful Results

The economy is not great.  People are still losing their jobs.  At times, we have to dig deep to find the motivation to do our best.  I need a cheerleader.  People need a cheerleader,  someone to give us a pat on the back and a word of encouragement – such as “hang in there” or “keep up the good work”.

Go the extra mile with me.  Make it a personal challenge to help at least two people each day.  Help them feel better about themselves.  Make them smile or better yet, make them laugh.  It is true – laughter is the best medicine.  I know that when someone makes me laugh, I temporarily forget about the stress that seems to hover over head.  It is like a reset button.  This did not eliminate the source of the stress, but it did knock down the build up.

My daughters are great for a laugh.  Their imagination’s run wild and their chatter even wilder.  They try so hard to get us to clap for them and tell them that they are great.  I laugh because they are trying so hard that they get tripped up in their own feet or their mouth gets too far ahead of the brain and all that is coming out is jibber.  What happened to us as we got older.  I know that for me it is more difficult to find that kind of untethered energy and drive.  Is that why we need a cheerleader or someone to give us a hand up.  OK, I digress a little.

Here are a few things that I do to cheer on others:

• Thank them for what they have done.
• Point out their improvements.  If you notice the small things – those often mean the most.
• Remember what they were working on the last time you met or spoke and ask how it is progressing.
• Empathize – not sympathize.
• Find a reason to compliment them. Not that there isn’t one, just be observant .
• Smile!
• Share a joke or a funny story to alleviate the building stress of the day.

You can make the difference in someones day,  wouldn’t you rather it be a positive one?