I love the THINK acronym floating around social media these days. Have you seen it? It basically encourages you to pause and ask if what you’re about to say or post is:
True?
Helpful?
Inspiring?
Necessary?
Kind?
In a nutshell, is what you’re about to share positive?
Seems easy enough, right? But maintaining positivity in a negative environment doesn’t always come without challenge. One of my clients, an inspiring leader who pursued coaching on the verge of burnout, has begun focusing time and energy on improving his work environment. He’s just getting started and doesn’t expect an overnight transformation, but recently he asked:
“What if I do all of this and it doesn’t work?”
My suggestion: Do it anyway.
Perhaps not the most eloquent response 🙂 and there’s a bit more to it – making sure you honor your values, time, and those around you, for example. But really, how can we go wrong putting positivity out into the world? You may not see an immediate change. But if your efforts come from the highest place in your heart with the intention to serve, do it anyway – and let the Ripple Effect take over from there.
Take my Clarity Kickstarts, for example. For the last 7+ years, I have sent my weekly positive emails to thousands of people. I create them with the intention of changing the world for the better – however, unless you tell me, I usually don’t know who takes the time to read them or what they spark for you. But I do it anyway.
And sometimes I get an email like this recent one from Carolyn R.:
I receive your Clarity Kickstarts, and your latest one dealt with enhancing your focus. I was interviewing for a new job the next day that I felt would be a perfect fit for my skills. I had been studying everything I could find on the organization for more than a week. (I knew there was stiff competition for the position.) Reading your Clarity Kickstart helped me stay focused (and calmer) during those final hours of preparation leading up to the interview.
I am elated to report that I was offered the job! Thank you for the part that your Clarity Kickstart played in the process.
Same thing with my new Purpose Pointer video clips: I create them with an intention of service, hoping to fill a need, then post them and let them go. Last week, Sarah A. sent a message regarding the “Life List” Purpose Pointer:
I’m having a lot of fun and can’t stop thinking about my Life List and adding to it. Thank you! And also thank you for saying to include 101 (or more) items because I’m now at 62!
(She even included a photo of her daughter working on her Life List! Love it!)
The Ripple Effect never fails. Many times it’s years before we learn of an impact (my educator clients and friends will attest to this!) – and I’m actually willing to bet that most of the time we don’t hear the outcomes of our positivity effort at all.
In the meantime, we must continue doing it anyway.
My challenge for you this month is two-fold:
First, send a note to someone who has positively impacted your life. What will take you 5 minutes to write will make their entire day, week, or month – trust me!
Second, be a positivity leader. Whether in what you say, do, post, write, or any other format – don’t let the naysayers, the fear, or the potential silence hold you back.
Do it anyway. When it comes to putting kindness, respect, love, hope, or any other form of positivity into the world –
even if you serve with heart and get a scowl in return,
or you notice others doing not-so-kind things,
or you never hear a ‘thank you’ –
do it anyway.
Positivity matters in work, leadership, and life.
Kindness matters and is a sign of true strength.
YOU matter – and are here to make a difference in the world. Make it a positive one.
It’s not always easy. At times it may feel like a lot of work.
But please, please…do it anyway.
How do you put your positivity into the world? Share your thoughts below, on Facebook, or via Twitter!
If you thrive on negativity, do NOT come to Spark! But if you’re ready for an infusion of positivity, growth, and connection, we have just a handful of spots open.
What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?
Dr. Christi Hegstad, Dream Igniter & Growth Accelerator. Christi is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of ICF Iowa, and mom to three amazing kids.