Pay It Forward

I just wrapped up two book launch parties, one in London, Ontario and another in Toronto. They were so much fun! Obviously I am a bit biased, but I think everyone enjoyed themselves and there was a lot of mingling going on. I especially appreciated my family, who was out in full force; selling books, greeting people, serving as masters of ceremonies, making introductions, coordinating the event etc. I am so fortunate to have this kind of support readily accessible. When I thanked my sister for coordinating the Toronto event, she said “Well, I finally have a chance to pay you back for everything you’ve done for me.” I really believe in the concept of ‘paying it forward’; that when you help people, you will always get it back in some way.

There are innumerable ways to pay it forward in your workplace, both large and small. Here are just a few:
- Help out a colleague who is trying to meet a deadline or finish a project.
- Celebrate the success of others.
- Bring in treats for your team.
- Offer to share your resources; for example, people, funds, space.
- Clean up the kitchen even if it is not your mess.
- Give someone a compliment.
- Volunteer to do a task that no one else wants to do.

Paying it forward in your workplace helps you shift your attitude from entitlement or negativity to a more positive, open attitude. By doing any one of the tasks listed above, you create uplifted energy. This energy really helps your workplace environment. Think about how you can ‘pay it forward’ today.