Now What?! Chain reaction

During this season of giving, how great does the ‘pay-it-forward’ mentality feel?

I’m referring to the act of doing something for someone as a result of a different someone doing something for you; for example, the stranger in front of you in the Starbucks drive-thru paying for your order, thereby prompting you, in turn, to pay for the person behind you.

Personally, I try to do this throughout the year whenever I am able, since it’s a simple gesture that could make someone’s day. There is something comforting about the anonymity of this action for folks like me who feed off of the reaction – positive or negative.

I wouldn’t want that person to feel obligated to show gratitude, but conversely, I’d be annoyed if he or she showed no reaction. The other person’s reaction isn’t the point of the action, though, so I prefer not seeing it either way. The ‘pay-it-forward’ movement has taken a much larger trajectory over the years and throughout the world than just a simple Starbucks tab, however, but the sentiment behind it is the thought – no matter the size of the gesture.

This kind of positivity transcends a free beverage or baked good. The act itself sets into motion a chain reaction that could impact your actions, disposition, agreeability, and even work performance. I don’t know about you, but I absolutely respond more positively in all aspects of my life when I absorb positive energy from others.

On the flip side, the same can be said for the negative energy chain reaction.

While sitting waiting to receive my COVID booster at a popular pharmacy chain, I had about 45 minutes worth of people-watching. Upon check-in, I was met by low-energy customer service and mild reception at best. As I sat and waited to be seen by the pharmacist, it became more and more clear to me why I experienced the dispositions that I had.

My wait happened at about 8 p.m. and within my small sample of observations, the staff was verbally beaten down a handful of times. The patrons weren’t just on edge from a wait – they approached the line with an attitude from the start. They spoke not only to the techs with disrespect but were equally as rude to the pharmacists.

My frustration with the wait had shifted from annoyance to sympathy. After receiving my booster, I went to the pharmacy window one last time, where I’m sure the staff was poised for yet another complaint. I instead took the opportunity to apologize to the overworked staff for the disrespect they had endured during the short time I had been there alone. The pharmacist said almost immediately that she understood that tensions were high during COVID times.

“That doesn’t excuse dismissive disrespect,” I told her. The pharmacy tech teared up and told me she had already cried twice during her shift that day. I admittedly teared up as well, as I imagined a continual verbal beat down throughout my workday.

My point is this: actions create reactions. I tend to be more in tune with other people’s energy than most, but even if it isn’t your first instinct to think before acting, try. Attitude, whether positive or negative, sets in motion a chain reaction whether we like it or not.

Picture your actions as little pebbles being thrown into a lake creating a ripple effect.

I wish you all a happy 2022. Let’s pick a small gesture to pass forward and watch it spread!