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Pay it Forward!!! Paying if Foward is the process in which people peform acts of kindness and generousity with the understanding that sooner or later they will be paid back with an act of kindness or generousity in return. Not necsessarily from the same person, but from anyone that has been a recipient of a “pay it forward” act. Paying it forward is not a new concept, many organizations have promoted the “pay it forward” attitude, but the concept has recently gained more traction in the world of professional networking groups. In fact, I am a member of several professional organizations that have now made “Pay it Forward” their primary objective. While professional organizations are adopting this philosophy in these difficult stressful times, individuals appear to be moving to the other end of the kindness spectrum. Many individuals are hunkering down and taking care of their own needs, they are not “paying it forward.” I believe that they feel that Paying it Forward should only be utilized when they have no problems of their own. In a sense people are becoming more selfish. I contend that the entire Pay it Forward concept is selfish and is a perfect montra to live by in these stressful times. Now more than ever, these individuals need to Pay It Forward- not only for the recipients of their Pay It Forward acts, but for what they will receive in return. Paying it Forward is a SELFISH ACT, while it is a passively selfish act- it is still selfish. You are investing your act of generousity and kindness hoping to receive a positive ROI (Return On Investment). While this is a selfish act, there are no victims, it is a win-win, the receiver of the act of kindness/generousity recieves positive benefit, and the delivery of the act anticpates future positive returns for his/her actions. Don’t wait for a Pay it Forward opportunity, go find it. 1. Volunteer your children’s school or a community organization 2. Join a service organization 3. Donate your time and money to a charity that means something to you Adopting a Pay It Forward attitude should also shift your frame of mind to a more positive position. It feels good to be kind and help people, and Paying It Forward is all about helping people. So go ahead be selfish and Pay It Forward! |