Why is it that so many people are quick to make a derogatory comment about others, yet slow to say something kind?
Is it human nature? Is it jealousy? Is it tall poppy syndrome?
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. About how we seem drawn to negativity, how we read the comments, share the outrage, and for some people even join in. Why?
Maybe it’s because of our negativity bias - our survival mechanism hardwired into our brains.
We’re biologically tuned to notice threats, to remember the bad more than the good. It is what helped our ancestors stay alive.
But in today’s world, it can make us hyper-aware of flaws, mistakes and imperfections, both in others and in ourselves.
Maybe it’s because hurting people tend to hurt people, and who’s not hurting right now?
When someone lashes out, it often says more about their pain than the person they’re targeting. It’s a cry for help disguised as criticism.
We don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle.
Neuroscience tells us that positive words and thoughts can literally rewire our brains. Holding a kind word in your mind activates the frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for empathy, reasoning and action.
Over time, this can shift how we see ourselves and others.
So what if, instead of tearing people down, we lifted them up? What if we made a habit of saying the good - the compliments we think but don’t share, the admiration we feel but keep to ourselves?
What would happen if we chose to be kind, even when it’s hard to?
I believe we’d feel better, I believe others would too, and I believe the ripple effect could be profound.
So here’s my challenge to you - say one kind thing to someone today. Not because they need it (although they might), but because you do.
Be the one who breaks the cycle.
Let’s talk!
Say One Kind Thing Today!