Good In, Good Out

A Simple Way to Change Your World

You probably work for a community or faith-based organization because you want to make a difference in the world, right? Well, if you really want to change the world, start by changing you.

Change the way you work. Change the way you communicate. Change the way you interact with people. If you can change you, then you can impact your environment. If you can impact your environment, you can have a positive influence on others. And if you can have a positive influence on others, you can actually change the world you are living in.

Consider for a minute the old IBM computer term, “Garbage In, Garbage Out.” What if the opposite is also true…good in, good out? To test this theory, try living the next few weeks by intentionally filling your day with good things like positive music, people, media, and prayer. As you consume “good things” then consciously move to producing positive actions and words. (Remember what your mom always told you, either say something nice or don’t say it at all.☺) And then take the time to show appreciation to people in your life who deserve it – someone who has helped you along the way, or who has always been supportive of you regardless of your strengths and weaknesses.

Once you have taken care of your world; start applying this “Good in, Good out” thinking to your charitable work. Take the time to make your workspace warm and inviting. Update your voice mail to include a holiday greeting or positive word for the day. Speak kindly about co-workers or team leaders. Write a thank you note to a special donor or volunteer.

Even the smallest “good thing” can make a big difference in the world in which you live. This life approach will not only make you feel better about your day, but it has the potential to transform your work too.

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.