The 28th of April is Pay it Forward Day, a global initiative intended to make a difference by creating a ripple of kindness that will be felt across the world. Obviously, this is right up my alley. I believe that showing compassion is an excellent step towards creating happier, healthier and more hopeful people.
Now, the internet has a never-ending list of ideas and suggestions around how we can be kind and "pay it forward", but one, in particular, stood out for me:
Kindness is a willingness to celebrate someone else's success full-heartedly
Enter the green-eyed monster, jealousy, and its unfriendly partners envy and resentment. I think its human nature to feel a pang of jealousy when someone in your personal or professional life experiences success or good fortune. In fact, to compete for what we want is healthy.
However, imagine how much more beautiful the world (and workplace) would be if we genuinely shared in one another's' success. If we didn't feel like one person's success was at the expense of our own.
You'll feel better
Celebrating the success of others can foster feelings of optimism. So instead of feeling put down and bitter, you'll be more content and fulfilled.
You'll be a part of something bigger
Be the kind of person that others want to be around – add value and make other others feel good about themselves. Building these kinds of connections will grow your network, and create opportunities with the people who are making things happen.
Put your ego to one side. Success sometimes requires being a part of something bigger.
You'll build partnerships
Kindness fosters positive relationships. Taking the time to acknowledge the success of those around you creates collaborative partnerships. It speaks to cooperation and helps you to gain the support of others - because people help those who help others.
Besides, in the words of George Burton Adams, "there is no such thing as a self-made man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and
of our thoughts, as well as our success."