An Transmittable “Bug” That Could Save the World We Live In
In contrast to the plethora of negative media coverage and paranoia surrounding this newest "killer" Flu strain, I'd like to follow a more positive track and discuss a new kind of virus that could, literally, save the world from it's own destruction.
It's interesting to note that viruses have a couple of unique characteristics, which, if used correctly, can have a massive positive impact on everyone we know. You see, most importantly, viruses typically spread VERY quickly through a population. In addition, once a person has a viral infection, those that he or she infects with that same virus will generally display very similar symptoms to the originally infected person. In this article, I'd like to explain how these two virus characteristics can be "used for good", through the use of the web and the USPS.
Pay it Forward
Many people have heard the phrase "pay it forward" and many would probably attribute this phrase to the 2000 movie of the same name in which the phrase "Paying it Forward" meant that, in exchange for something nice that was done for you, you should do something nice for three new people.
Of course, this "paying it forward" ideal is nowhere near new (nor was it when the book was authored). It actually pre-dates even the illustrious Ben Franklin who described "paying it forward" in the following manner:
"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."
Of course, Ben Franklin's words above refer to the act of loaning money to a person in need, with the understanding that they will not pay YOU back, but, instead will, when they are in better financial condition, lend an equal sum of money to a new person in need, thereby "paying it forward". But, this succession of good deeds does not always involve money, nor even physical labor, such as raking leaves or painting an aging home, although, certainly, it could. I'm trying to take a much simpler approach to this idea with the WhyTheCards.com website.
Encouragement and Appreciation - The Currency of Relationships
Almost a century ago, Andrew Carnegie decided that Charles Schwab was the best man to captain the new United States Steel Company. So, he hired him as president with a starting salary of $1,000,000 per year or approximately $3,000 per DAY (during a period when $3,000/YEAR would have been an excellent wage).
According to the new president, he was offered this immensely hefty salary because he was very effective in his dealings with people.
"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."
This high regard for encouragement and appreciation of others is what the newly launched WhyTheCards.com website is designed to multiply via the "pay it forward" model but in a simple, yet viral manner which, I hope, will reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of people.
As Simple as Mailing a Greeting Card
It's hard to imagine just exactly why a simple piece of heavy cardstock paper 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 acing a test.
You could even send a note to suggest that you get together for brunch this Friday or to let them know not to make dinner this Saturday since you'll be bringing it over to them. Even better, use your postcard as an opportunity to encourage them to pay the good deed forward and help someone else. As illogical as it may seem, helping someone else is often one of the most effective ways to make YOURSELF feel better (although that should never be your primary motivation for helping).
Most people could do with a reminder that they are truly special and have value and that they have abilities that not a single other person has which should be used to help people. It does not matter how old or young they are, how sick they might happen to be, how difficult their life is right now, how many mistakes they may have made, they STILL have alot to offer, but nobody will know that unless they actually offer it. It need not even 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.
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