Life is a lot sometimes, right? Rhetorical question alert in case that one got by you. 😊
Do you ever wish you didn’t have to rise to the occasion and be on your best behavior? Do you sometimes behave less than ideally thinking others won’t notice, or that it doesn’t matter?
It matters. They notice.
Bad behavior is contagious—it creates a ripple effect.
Like when you’re less than nice to the cashier and then they’re short with the next customer who’s then aggressive on the road which causes another driver to snap at their kids. Look what you started!
Try this the next time you’ve got a kindness deficit: instead of giving yourself a pass and expressing your sour mood, quietly commit to doing your best, no matter what. I’m not saying be perfect, that’s not possible. But better? There’s always room to be a little better.
And if you can’t find your way to behave better, take a chance and tell the people you’re interacting with, “Hey, I just want to let you know, I’m having a really bad day and I’m having a hard time being my best self.” That vulnerability opens the door to something magical. The air clears. Tensions ease. The other person smiles, nods, says something like, “I know, I’ve been there.”
Stretching yourself to be better or to share why you can’t is worth a try. Best case? You’ve initiated the good kind of ripple effect.
This Week’s Shares: Flipping and Reframing Conventional Wisdom…
This Week’s Shares: Flipping and Reframing Conventional Wisdom…- Are you a consultant to the C-Suite having trouble landing assignments? You may need to get brave and be specific. Works for businesses too, BTW. (Am I right, Steve Guberman?) Here’s more from Debra Boulanger for Chief.
- Justin Owens explains how to forgive but why forgetting is not a reasonable goal. I agree with him and love the way he explains it.
- Considering a major career pivot? Best-selling author Carley Fortune shares the advice that put her on the road to happiness and career success.
- How do you maintain your credibility when someone challenges it without looking defensive? Eloise Gagnon has tips too good not to share.
- Do you need help with calm boundary holding? If you’re a leader, is this timely advice for someone on your team? Sharing for those of you saying, “Yes!”
Heroes Without Capes
Do you know why we have protection for whistleblowers, you know, those people who can’t sit by when they see something wrong and move to protect others from unfair behaviors by companies, organizations, and government? She’s why: Jesselyn Radak.
Do Good Spotlight: KinderSmile Foundation
The KinderSmile Foundation provides comprehensive dental care and dental hygiene education to underserved children and families, regardless of insurance status. With three locations in Bloomfield, Newark, and Trenton, they served over 8,800 patients across NJ in 2025 alone. Show them some appreciation and see what they do: KinderSmile Foundation.
⏳Until Next Time…
None of us is perfect but we’re better when we elevate our awareness of how we affect the people around us. Let’s forget about being perfect and focus instead on being better.
Niki