Being the Tide
“A rising tide lifts all boats.”
- John F. Kennedy
The idea that "a rising tide lifts all boats" can be felt deeply in a world often characterized by competition and individualism. President John F. Kennedy passed on this adage to us, and it speaks to a profound truth: when we support one another, we not only elevate those around us but enrich our lives in ways we may not initially perceive.
This metaphor powerfully reminds us that our actions toward others create ripples that will be carried farther than we can even imagine. This happened to me recently when I received a message on social media from one of my former student-athletes. In the message, he thanked me for attending one of his baseball games, 30 years ago, and cheering him on. At that time, I was simply supporting one of “my guys.” I had no idea how this would positively affect this young man’s life. Today, he is acting as the tide as he lifts other young people as a coach, an umpire, and a football referee.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Reread Kennedy’s aphorism; think about a small harbor, watching as waves wash gently against the boats bobbing in the harbor. Each wave represents an act of encouragement—a kind word, a supportive gesture, or an acknowledgment of someone’s potential. As these waves rise, they elevate each boat equally; no boat is left behind.
How difficult is it to pass on kindness to someone else? It takes us two seconds to tell someone, “Thank you.” When I open a door or hold a door open for someone, I am amazed at how surprised they are that someone thought of them. Why is this? Have we become so self-involved that we forget that others are on this journey with us?
Building a Community Through Random Acts of Kindness
The beauty of simple acts of kindness lies in their ability to bring about a feeling of community rather than a feeling that we are going through this all by ourselves. When individuals uplift one another, they create an environment where life becomes a team effort.
For example, Tab and Catherine Pierce hold business mixers around the Phoenix Desert Valley area. They don’t get paid to do this, but they do it because they want to build a community of people who will help each other out as they all build their dreams.
When you encourage someone else through mentorship or simply offer praise, you’re planting seeds for growth. Your words and actions can spark motivation and ‘raise the tide’ in others while at the same time lightening the load that life puts on all of us.
Proof That Encouragement Works
I’m not making this up; research supports this idea. Studies have shown that social support significantly impacts mental health and overall well-being. When individuals feel encouraged by their peers or mentors, they are more likely to take risks and pursue goals they might otherwise shy away from due to fear or self-doubt.
Not only that, but encouraging others helps build resilience not just for those receiving support but also for those giving it. When someone feels that they are not alone on their journey it gives them a fresh perspective in both the challenging times and during the good times. This shared experience builds empathy and strengthens social bonds.
The Courage to Lift Others Up
Being a positive-lifting person isn’t always easy; it requires vulnerability and courage—qualities that are often undervalued in our society, with so many focused on their individual success stories. When I think back to the people who reached down and pulled me up, coaches, teachers, and friends, I came to the understanding that I need to do more to “pay their kindness forward”.
As I changed my focus from “What am I going to get out of this?” to “How can I help this person become who they are meant to be,” I found that it did not diminish who I was; instead, it amplified who I really was and what I could do with my career choice and in my personal life.
As we lift those around us, whether through small acts of kindness or life-changing actions, we build a culture of positivity.
Ideas For Raising the Tide
So, how can we live this philosophy? Here are some simple steps:
· Practice Active Listening: Sometimes, people just need someone who believes in them enough to listen without judgment.
· Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledging even minor achievements can boost morale immensely.
· Networking: Whether you provide connections within your industry or recommend books that inspire you, sharing knowledge uplifts everyone involved.
· Share Your Scars: (I stole this one from my friend Clint Bruce) Share your struggles alongside your successes. This creates authenticity and encourages others to open up about their journeys.
· Become a Mentor: Consider mentoring someone seeking guidance; it’s one of the most impactful ways to lift another boat while navigating your journey.
Enjoy the Tides
As we float through the waters of life, let’s remember JFK's words of wisdom: that supporting one another lifts all of us. As we lift them, we are also lifted. By choosing simple acts of kindness over indifference, we become part of something greater than ourselves … a community where every person has value and every success contributes to the whole.
So next time you find yourself near a body of water, take a moment to throw a rock in, and then watch how far the ripples travel. This is the same effect you can have on another person's life by simply raising the tide so that they are lifted to a new point of reference.
Have an amazing day!
