With all the recent and widespread media coverage of the Swine Flu and possibility of it’s swift spread through the population of this world, it seems to me to be a good idea to discuss another type of virus – one that a great many people could stand to “catch” and would be better off for it.
The interesting thing about viruses is how fast they can overtake a population. Moreover, each individual that is infected with a specific virus strain tends to exhibit similar symptoms to others that have been infected with the same virus. It is these two unique flu characteristics that I want to focus on with regard to infecting the world’s population this new “virus”.
The “Paying it Forward” Bug
Many people recognize the phrase “pay it forward” and many would connect this phrase to the movie of the same name in which “Paying it Forward” meant that, in exchange for a good deed that you’ve received, you should perform three good deeds of your own.
Of course, this “pay it forward” idea is nowhere near new (nor was it at the time that the book was authored). It actually pre-dates even the well respected Ben Franklin who described “paying it forward” with the following words:
“I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro’ many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money.”
It’s also useful to understand, in my opinion, that “paying it forward” shouldn’t always have to involve the giving of money or assisting with physical labor, although, often, it does. A much simpler approach to the “pay it forward” model is described in great detail on my new site WhyTheCards.com, but below is the premise of the site (and the vision) in brief.
Appreciation and Encouragement Can Make a HUGE Difference
Almost 100 years ago, Andrew Carnegie decided that Charles Schwab was the best man to run the new United States Steel Company. So, he named him as president and offered him a starting salary of $1,000,000 per year or approximately $3,000 per DAY (during a period when a $3,000 ANNUAL salary would have been very good pay).
This gargantuan salary was a direct result of Schwab’s uncanny ability to effectively deal|deal|effectively interact) with individuals, according to Schwab himself. He had this to say:
“I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people,” said Schwab, “the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.”
WhyTheCards.com is all about applying the “pay it forward” ideal to this oft ignored idea of encouragement and appreciation, but in a simple and unique way that spreads like a virus until it, literally, touches hundreds of thousands of people – hopefully (it’s success depends upon individuals such as yourself).
A Matter of Sending a Simple Card
It’s hard to imagine just exactly why a simple piece of cardstock with an image and a note can have such a powerful impact on a friend that’s been going through a difficult situation (or maybe even if they haven’t). Just the simple act of letting them know how much you appreciate them and the talents they possess. Or, a word of congratulations for a great performance.
Deliver a note to invite them to dinner or to tell them you’ll be bringing THEM dinner this Friday. Better yet, encourage them to do something nice for someone else who’s having a rough time. It’s amazing, when you’re going through a rough spot in life, just how much better YOU feel when you’re able to help someone else.
Many people could do with a reminder that they are truly special and have value and that they have gifts that not a single other person has which should be used to help people. It doesn’t matter how old or young they are, how sick they might happen to be, how stressful their life is right now, how many screw-ups they have under their belt, they STILL have alot to offer, but nobody will know that unless they actually offer it. It doesn’t have to require alot of time or money to encourage someone. A very simple card can mean the world and might be just what the doctor ordered.
