Be Kind

The Lesson – Be Kind

This week’s challenge is inspired by an article I read over the weekend titled, “‘Secret Agent’ is on a mission: Spreading kindness.”

The Secret Agent, Duquesne University administrative assistant Laura Miller, better known as Secret Agent L, has spent the past year performing random acts of kindness in Pennsylvania. Laura’s weekly random acts have ranged from leaving a roll or quarters in the laundry mat to leaving a Starbucks gift card in a church and doggie treats at the dog park. She posts each of her “missions” on her blog, Secret Agent L, and notes that her interests include “spreading joy, practicing random acts of kindness, and brightening people’s days.” Her efforts seem to be catching on. Secret Agent L now has more than 80 “affiliated agents” worldwide and her blog and Twitter (@secretagentl) fan base continue to grow each day.

Reading the article reminded me a lot of one of my favorite movies, Pay It Forward. In the movie, Haley Joel Osment plays the role of Trevor McKinney who is given a school assignment that requires him to “think of an idea to change our world—and put it into action.” His idea: Do one good deed for three people with hopes of those three people “paying it forward” to three others. Do the math and you realize that there is power behind those numbers!

If you have not seen the movie, or if you need a refresher, check out this clip:

The Challenge

I think the world needs a lot more people just like Laura Miller and Trevor McKinney, and that is why this week’s challenge is for you to perform three random acts of kindness, preferably in secret.

Plato once said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” This week commit to making life a little easier for others. It could be as simple as having a fresh cup of coffee waiting on the desk for a coworker’s morning arrival or something more outgoing such as picking up the gasoline tab for a complete stranger before he has a chance to come in the store and pay.

If you like the way things go, consider visiting Laura’s website and sign up to receive ongoing “missions” via email by becoming an affiliated secret agent. As Trevor’s theory points out—there is power in numbers.

To maximize the benefits of this challenge consider doing each act anonymously so that the unsuspecting recipient does not feel required to return the favor. Also, spread the love by choosing one coworker, one family member, and one complete stranger. For extra credit, try to complete one random act each day.

The Reflection

1.    What did you learn about yourself this week as a result of completing this challenge?
2.    How can you continue to benefit from this challenge in the future?
3.    What was your biggest takeaway?
4.    What positive changes could you make going forward in order to maximize the benefit of this challenge?
5.    How would continual practice of this challenge change your life?

Be kind,

Gary Jensen
Editor | collector mentor