Do you ever think about how one small act of kindness can literally change the direction of someone's life? What if YOU could cause that turning point?
Today I’m sitting with Bryan Driscoll, author of The Goodness Game, who took an act of kindness he received 20 years ago in Orlando and, with the help of a Craigslist ad, paid it forward in a way that made national headlines and enormous ripple effects.
What I love most about this conversation? He shows it’s not about trying to change the world overnight. It's about the small choices we make every day, and the consequent ripples that touch not just the people we help, but also their friends, and their friends of friends.
If you've ever wondered if those small acts of kindness really matter, or if you're feeling a little bit overwhelmed by all the negativity in the world, this episode is for you.
In this episode you’ll hear about:
- Bryan’s journey on a Greyhound bus to Florida and the kindness of several strangers who helped him find a place to stay (and one woman who let him stay in her house!)
- Social trust: what it is (essentially, our faith in strangers), its historical significance, and its decline in modern society
- The importance of curiosity and discomfort in driving positive change and the potential for small acts to create significant ripples
- How to use concepts from The Goodness Game, including “giving without remembering,” honing in on your helper style, and making acts of kindness enjoyable
Resources & Links:
Buy The Goodness Game by Bryan Driscoll and visit goodnessgame.com.
And here’s some more information about the study on social trust that was mentioned in this episode.
Like what you hear? Visit my website, leave me a voicemail, and follow me on Instagram and TikTok!
Want to take this conversation a step further? Send this episode to a friend. Tell them you found it interesting and use what we just talked about as a conversation starter the next time you and your friend hang out!
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