Take a lesson from Abraham Lincoln and help someone else to dream big and achieve more!

21 Feb Take a lesson from Abraham Lincoln and help someone else to dream big and achieve more!

Take a lesson from Abraham Lincoln and help someone else to dream big and achieve more!

I came across a quote today that is attributed to Abraham Lincoln. I loved it…

Here’s the quote:

“I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn’t have the heart to let him down.” Ab Lincoln

And here’s the question it inspires:

Who are you telling today that you believe in them? (And how are you doing it?)

Here are a few suggestions to get you thinking:

Idea 1:

Send a friend from high school a message on Facebook to let them know how they helped you “back in the day” and that you still believe in their dreams even though it’s been a while since you talked. (10 minutes)

Idea 2:

Send a handwritten note (gasp!) to a teacher or college professor to let them know how they impacted who you are today. (20 minutes – 10 to write the note and 10 to google their address. 🙂

Idea 3:

Take a cup of coffee to a friend at work (without them asking) and let them know you wanted to give them a little extra boost today. (5 to 10 minutes depending on where you find the coffee and how far away your friend is.)

Idea 4:

When you pick up your kid(s) today… don’t head right home (or to practice or whatever). Go get ice cream cones to grab their attention (yes, BEFORE supper) and then tell them that you really really believe in them. (Don’t do it while you’re driving. STOP and tell them.) I know you don’t feel like you have time for this… but if you take 15 minutes, they may just remember it the rest of their lives! (15 to 30 minutes)

Idea 5:

Stop by your church and ask for your pastor’s keys (or a community leader, or your kid’s teacher or some other unsung hero). Then take the car and get it washed. (I know this sounds crazy but it will take you about 30 to 45 minutes if they actually trust you with their keys.) It will change the week!

Idea 6:

Call the person that comes to mind when you think of the phrase “The best manager I ever had.” Then let them know that you are more of the person you were meant to be today because you worked for them. And/or give them a specific example of a time when they encouraged you. (20 minutes: 5 minutes to find the number / 15 minutes to make the call. Only 8 minutes total if you get their voice mail.)

Idea 7:

Before you go to bed tonight… take 7.2 minutes (with the tv, cell phone and/or the ipad off) and talk to your spouse, significant other or best friend. Let them know one of the favorite things you see in them. (Big or small) Let them know that you believe in them. Just do it and don’t do it to see if they will reciprocate. Just do it to bless their socks off. (7.2 minutes) By the way, this doesn’t have to be eloquent or Brad Pitt smooth either. They just want to hear from you… in a very raw and real way.

Okay… I only got to 7 ideas in the time that I had to write this.

Help me out.

What are some other ways to spread love and encouragement in 5, 10, or 30 minutes or less? Join in the convo by clicking comments and sharing your ideas today. I’d love to hear them!

Keep dreaming big and helping others to do the same,

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