Kindness

written by a member of the WCB

Embracing Kindness in a World of Hustle: Path to True Success

In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of ambition, constantly striving to reach new heights and prove our worth. It's a world where "bossin' up" has become the mantra, where success is measured in achievements and accolades. But amidst this relentless pursuit of greatness, we sometimes lose sight of something far more valuable: our humanity.

Let's be real for a moment. We've all been there, haven't we? In our laser-focused journey towards our goals, we've inadvertently stepped on toes, brushed aside feelings, or overlooked the needs of others. It's not that we set out to be cruel or unkind. No, it's more subtle than that. We become so engrossed in our own narrative, so consumed by our personal ambitions, that we forget a fundamental truth: everyone around us is writing their own story, fighting their own battles, chasing their own dreams.

This unintentional cruelty, this blindness to the experiences of others, it's a byproduct of our drive. But here's the kicker: it doesn't have to be this way. We don't have to choose between success and compassion. In fact, true strength, true leadership, true success – they're not about bulldozing your way to the top. They're about having the wisdom and the heart to lift others as you climb.

The Bible, in its timeless wisdom, offers us guidance on this matter. In Ephesians 4:32, we're reminded to "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." This isn't just good scripture; it's a blueprint for a life well-lived. It's a call to balance our ambition with empathy, our drive with kindness. And in Proverbs 11:25, we're told that "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." This verse beautifully encapsulates the idea that our success and the wellbeing of others are intertwined.

So how do we strike this delicate balance? How do we nurture our ambitions while also cultivating compassion? Here are some practical tips to help you on this journey:

1. Practice mindfulness: Before you act or speak, take a moment to pause. Consider the impact of your words or actions on others. Ask yourself, "How would I feel if I were on the receiving end of this?" This simple practice can prevent a lot of unintentional hurt.

2. Cultivate empathy: Make a conscious effort to see situations from other people's perspectives. Remember that everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. This understanding can soften your approach and make your interactions more meaningful.

3. Redefine strength: Remember that kindness is not a weakness; it's a strength. It takes real courage to be gentle and compassionate in a world that often rewards ruthlessness. As the saying goes, "In a world where you can be anything, be kind."

4. Celebrate others' successes: Instead of viewing others' achievements as threats to your own success, learn to genuinely celebrate them. Their win doesn't diminish your potential for success. In fact, surrounding yourself with successful, kind people can elevate your own journey.

5. Practice active listening: In our rush to be heard, we often forget to listen. Make a conscious effort to truly hear what others are saying. This not only helps you understand their perspective but also makes them feel valued and respected.

6. Volunteer and give back: Engage in activities that allow you to serve others. This can be through formal volunteering or simple acts of kindness in your daily life. As Mark 10:45 reminds us, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

7. Reflect and adjust: Regularly take time to reflect on your actions and their impact. If you realize you've been unkind or overly focused on your own goals at the expense of others, don't be afraid to apologize and make amends. Growth comes from acknowledging our mistakes and learning from them.

It's crucial to understand that this approach to life – balancing ambition with kindness – isn't just about being "nice." It's about being effective. In today's interconnected world, our ability to build genuine relationships, to collaborate, to inspire and be inspired by others, is often the key to true success. As the Dalai Lama wisely said, "Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them."

Consider some of the most respected and successful individuals in various fields. More often than not, you'll find that their success isn't just about their individual achievements, but about how they've uplifted others along the way. They've created teams, mentored others, and used their success as a platform to make a positive impact. This is the kind of success we should aspire to – success that ripples outward, creating waves of positive change.

Remember, life isn't a zero-sum game. Your success doesn't require someone else's failure. In fact, when we approach life with a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity, we often find that there's more than enough success, joy, and fulfillment to go around. As we read in 2 Corinthians 9:8, "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

In the grand tapestry of life, our individual threads are inextricably woven with those of others. Our actions, our words, our attitudes – they all contribute to the bigger picture. So as you chase your dreams, as you strive to "boss up" and conquer your goals, remember to do so with grace, with empathy, and with love.

There are indeed a million ways to make it in this world. But the best way, the most fulfilling way, is the one that lifts others up along with us. It's the path that recognizes our shared humanity, that values kindness as much as achievement. It's the path that understands that true success isn't just about reaching the top – it's about the lives we touch, the hearts we warm, and the positive change we create along the way.

So go forth and chase your dreams. Push yourself to new heights. But as you do, remember to extend a hand to those around you. Be the kind of success story that inspires not just admiration, but also gratitude and love. Because at the end of the day, that's the kind of success that truly matters – the kind that makes the world a little bit better, a little bit kinder, and a whole lot brighter.

-Deck