We all like to be with others who leave us feeling better than when we first met them. Here are five simple ways you can leave others better than you found them.
This week’s Inspire Me quote is from Maya Angelou:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
We’re here not just for ourselves, but also to make others better. When we do, we make ourselves more attractive to others and they’re more likely to help us as well. But it requires an intentional choice to put ourselves in a mindset to leave people better than we found them.
Here are five ways to do that:
- Affirm them. We all need affirmation, but focus your affirmation on their ideas, progress, and possibilities rather than their fixed traits. A powerful way to do this is to tell them how they may remind you of someone you both respect.
- Listen empathetically. Meet their eyes and match their mood. The Bible reminds us to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” Ask good questions and be willing to linger; stay present. Don’t problem solve, just listen.
- Share an inspiring thought. Share an insight or quote that gave you lift. Make sure it’s fresh and relevant. If you’re not still lifted by it, don’t expect them to be either
- Smile. Smiling is contagious and it activates the region of our brain that makes it impossible for us to not mimic. Smiling improves mood by releasing endorphins and lowers the heart rate. When you smile, you literally improve not only your own health, but when they smile back, you improve theirs as well. Research has shown that smiling also leads others to view you as empathetic and trustworthy.
- Offer to help. Pray. Offer to connect them with another. If you cannot discern a practical way to help, just ask.
This week’s Challenge Me:
Share a strategy you use to leave people better than you found them. Comment on our show notes at www.reinventure.me/60
Resources mentioned or related to this podcast that may be helpful to you:
- How to beat the need for approval, Reinventure Me episode 49 on the need for affirmation as distinct from validation.
- How to network like a pro, Reinventure Me episode 16 on networking
Ways to get involved:
- Leave a review for this show on iTunes and/or Stitcher Radio.
- Leave a comment or question below.
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We look forward to hearing from you!