I made a decision a couple years ago. I decided my goal in life was to encourage others. So I decided each time I sat down with someone—whether for coffee, lunch, or a quick chat—that I would look for a way to encourage them.
I decided I’d listen closely to every word and look for a way they might be struggling or discouraged. Then I would encourage. I’d talk about a story I heard or just mention something I’ve noticed in their personality.
My goal is that every single person who leaves hanging out with me feels like they can conquer the world.
It’s changed the way I’ve approached friendships. It’s no longer about hanging out. It’s about finding ways I can encourage my friends. It’s about leaving this person filled with more life than they had before we started talking.
This world is a discouraging place. I know I need encouragement. And the quickest way to get encouragement is to give it away.
So that’s what I do. And it’s become pretty natural. It actually even feels weird if I leave a conversation having not encouraged someone.
I’ve made this a habit. You should too. Let’s encourage a discouraged world…one person at a time.