Remember the book “All I really needed to know I learned in Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum? In it Fulghum lists a bunch of kindergarten rules that stand the test of time and remain relevant into adulthood. Things like: share, play fair, don’t hit people, clean up your own mess, don’t take things that aren’t yours, say you’re sorry when you hurt someone, and many more. You get the gist. I think what’s made the book so popular (in print since 1989) is its simplicity. It’s all very basic—stuff we all know, can agree with and relate to while also being very essential. It’s one of those things that we read, see, or play (think hula-hoop) and think, why didn’t I come up with that?
Here’s the thing, I think we all can come up with them—the little things in life that can make a big difference. All we have to do is remember the Golden Rule: do to others as you would have them do to you, and go from there. We all know how we like (or don’t like) to be treated—that’s the easy part. The harder part is the follow through. Here are 3 of the little big things I’ve come up with.
- Say thank you
We’ve all been taught this, but do we say these two words or show our appreciation as often as we should? I know this might sound petty, but when I’m driving I’m usually happy to stop and let someone in, but if I don’t get the nod it actually ticks me off. The nod—the thank you—is important to me. So, if showing gratitude is important (and I’m telling you it is) for something this insignificant, guess how much it means in the big scheme of things! We all love to get positive feedback. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all showed our appreciation for one another?
- Everyone needs help from time to time
But a lot of people just aren’t comfortable asking for help. This is where it gets a little more complicated: if you are one of those people who don’t ask for help because you think it will make you look weak or are afraid people will lose respect for you, guess again. Asking for help will not only benefit you, the person or people who help you will get to feel like a valued part of your life or business. Remember, admitting you don’t have all the answers and need help from others is a way more admirable trait than being a know-it-all!
On the flip side, there are those who have trouble asking for help because they don’t want to appear needy or may feel like they aren’t in a position to ask for help. Asking others if you can be of assistance to them sometimes gives them permission to ask for or accept help. In either case, asking for or offering help results in a win-win for everyone.
- Everyone needs to be seen
I’m not talking about being the center of attention, not everyone craves or enjoys being in the spotlight. Everyone already acknowledges the big achievements, what I’m referring to are the little things that really aren’t that little: Like the employee with young children who was having trouble getting to work on time who is now regularly clocking in on time. Or the person who regularly refills the copiers with paper and ink so they are always ready when we need them. It’s important to let people know they are seen—especially when doing stuff right.
There are so many little things that can make a big impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. Which ones are important to you?
A. Alliance Collection Agency, Inc. is a full service, licensed accounts receivable management and debt collection agency providing highly effective, customized one on one management and recovery solutions for our business partners. Founded in northern Illinois in 2005, we have been proudly improving the bottom-line on behalf of our business partners in and around Chicagoland for over 13 years.
image provided by: Addy Lake