Kindness Matters

If you've subscribed to my YouTube channel, and you enjoy reading the stories that outline my philosophy about business, then you likely already realize the power of kindness.

That's kind of how this world works. Like attracts like.

Still, I am going to share a few of the ways I, and others I know, spread kindness in our every day life.

Kindness is not an act. It is a way of life. 

Just like any other great goal or skill, you can get there through tiny acts of kindness performed consistently over time. When you are kind to others, for no other reason but to be kind, there is a magic that happens.

Actually, it's not magic at all. It's science. Check out some of the research here.

Being kind can change the day, or the lifetime, of the person on the receiving end of your kindness, for sure. But, what it does for you, as the giver of kindness, is immeasurable.

Build it into your day and your life will change.

This isn't just some "fluffy" email either. I consider the incorporation of, at least one, random act of kindness, consciously built into my day, one of the main reasons I keep my energy up, attract amazing clients, and maintain peace of mind and sanity with a hectic schedule. 

When I started taking this mobile notary and loan signing business seriously, and committed to the daily success routine that changed everything, I decided that giving and kindness HAD to be part of my day, every day.

Some days I am a rock star at it. Some days, I suck at it. Still, when I look at the vision I have of myself, my best self, it is a person of purpose and kindness. That helps drive my thoughts and behavior to support that vision.

So, what can we do, every day, to promote kindness?

First, remove all the "rules" about what it means to be kind, to who, and when. Kindness is kindness.

It's totally okay to be kind to your close family and friends (duh!), and I would encourage you to be open to expanding that ring of kindness as you grow ready.

Second, kindness doesn't have to cost you money. 

There are lots of free ways to be kind:

• Hold a door open for someone
• Let the guy merge ahead of you on the freeway
• Smile at a stranger (Cheap, easy, and powerful)

Third, it's okay to go old school, or get creative with your kindness

In today's age of technology, while we are more connected than ever by wires and bots and bits, we are increasingly disconnected from the deeper emotions, and even human touch sometimes.

You can get creative, and even revert back to the 90's if you have to ;-)

Some other ideas on kindness:

• Send a handwritten letter or greeting card to someone
• If you usually text, pick up the phone and call someone you KNOW wants to hear your voice
• Make eye contact and truly listen to a friend
• Pick up the tab for a random table at a restaurant
• Drop essential bags to the homeless
• Pick up litter
• Scrape the gum off of public picnic tables
• Hug a friend or a stranger

Fourth, you matter. Your one single act of kindness can cause a ripple effect in the world that may just be the difference between life and death. 

Imagine doing that every day.

My Kindness Ritual

Like I said, sometimes I am really great at sticking to this, and sometimes I totally suck at it, especially when I am stressed out (end of month). 

Still, one of the fastest way to improve your mood, ease the tension, and re-connect with WHY you work so hard to make this business work, is to give out a random act of kindness. 

Do it a few days in a row, and it's like compound interest on steroids. 

The first thing I did, when I committed to this ritual several years ago, was choose an organization that I wanted to support. And then, I cut them what was a small check at the time, but it was literally 50% of ALL the money I had in my checking account. 

That primed the pump.

While I had no idea how I was going to pay bills, I felt this light-heartedness that let me know I made the right decision.

Next, I started sending out a minimum of one greeting card per day to someone on my list of people I knew. This was not branded with any business. I just checked in and sent a card.

The response on that alone was nothing short of incredible.

As my rituals evolved, and my income rose, I started doing other things too. 

One of my favorites is to buy the car behind me their coffee order at Starbucks. 

Seem expensive? Sometimes!

Still, my philosophy on that now is, if I can't afford two, I can't afford one. 

I now go out of my way to hit a Starbucks first thing in the morning to get my "dose" of giving. 

Every little thing matters. How you show up, whether you show up positive, or negative, will make a difference to the world around you.

There are no sidelines to life, so you are going to make an impact no matter what.

Choose the right method for your own legacy and vision.  It doesn't have to look like mine, or anyone else's.

That's the beautiful thing about these little acts of kindness...they're all yours. I shared my ritual as an example for you to use if it works, but the reality is that is mine, for me only. Not to be shared for attention or validation. 

Own your own kindness. Walk confidently knowing you give simply to give.

Your kindness inspires the world.