Praise & Chips, Giving is not just for Christmas...

What is Christmas really about?

PRESENTS!!! I hear my 5 year old daughter shout - and receiving them no doubt.

According to my very loose, non academic piece of research (which consists of just asking a load of people) tells me; if you ask an adult that same question their answer is also likely to be 'presents' - this time though - GIVING them.

There is no doubt that as a kid I just couldn't wait to open that present under the tree. Nowadays I am more excited about a great present I have bought someone.  I cant wait for them to open it and see the look on their face...  Giving is receiving.  Give something that is really appreciated and you receive more than any present could provide.

This was demonstrated by the actions of my 2 year old son at a birthday party. I was filming as he sat with the other kids eating their party tea.  He reached over to his neighbour's plate to pick up a chip when he had finished his own.  I thought I was going to have filmed evidence of daylight robbery.  He did something that caught me by surprise.  He lifted the chip off the plate and held it out to feed her.  A small, insignificant act of kindness.  (It didn't even cost him one of his own chips!!)

She gave him the biggest smile I have ever seen and he looked up to the camera and did the same.  In her he had a fan for life (if not certainly the rest of the party as she stuck to him like glue!)  He still talks to me about it today.  In that small act, at just 2 years old, he learnt more about how to engage with people AND feel good about yourself than anything I could ever teach him.  Giving is receiving.

The nice thing is - Giving doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Praise is something you can give.  Try giving someone a really specific, appropriate and timely piece of praise and see what it does for them.  More importantly, see what it does for you.  Just like giving a great gift - it feels wonderful.  Your esteem will grow, your influence will grow and your mark on the world will in some small way too.

Giving is not just for Christmas, its for life.