Accountability check: How are you doing at saying nothing negative—either to your person or about them to somebody else? Look back on the past week, identify any cases where youwere negative, despite your efforts. List those in a journal or notebook. Next to each, identify the reasons you slipped up ("I'm so tempted to join in when … Continue reading Day 7. Checking In

Everyone makes mistakes, and is touched by unconditional support and encouragement—especially when they don't deserve it. The next time your person suffers consequences from a mistake (gets a bad grade on a test, embarrassed in a meeting, mentions the criticism they got from their spouse), offer your unconditional support and/or encouragement with no mention of … Continue reading Day 6. Everyone Makes Mistakes: Be Supportive

Day 5. An Appetite for KindnessToday, leave a snack of their choice (would that be a healthy food bar or a donut?) on the counter (at work, in the house ...) or wherever you know they will see it, perhaps with a sticky note ("I had an extra one; thought you might like it.")Coach's Corner: The research … Continue reading Day 5. An Appetite for Kindness

What is one thing your person probably likes about themselves—but perhaps thinks that you don't? (Their strong opinions, which you see as being uncompromising; their ability to go with the flow, which you see as never being on time; their interest in art, when you wish they would focus on math….) Today, compliment them in the … Continue reading Day 4. Counter Intuitive Compliments

Today, don't argue with your person. Unless it is something life-or-business-altering, defer to them instead. Politely and positively let them know that although you disagree, you're fine with doing it their way. ("Although my personal preference is to log the students' science fair projects this other way, I know you've thought this through so let's … Continue reading Day 3. Deferential Disagreement

Do a task that you know your person dislikes with a cheerful attitude and no expectation. Take your neighbor's garbage can to the curb on trash pickup day; clean the dirty mugs in the sink even though it is your spouse or colleague's day to do it; offer to drop the other soccer mom's son … Continue reading Day 2. Lending a Helping Hand

And weeeee're off! Thanks for joining us for the 30-Day Kindness Challenge! Here's your optional tip for today: What is something your person did recently that is praiseworthy? Compliment them on it. "You did a great job at that sales presentation last week." "Way to go to baseball practice, even though you didn't feel like … Continue reading Day 1. What is praiseworthy?