Say hello first.

Smile first.

Be grateful first.

Be kind first.

Be respectful first.

Be attentive first.

Listen first.

Be patient first.

Be forgiving first.

The wonderful thing about going first is that you present the other person with an opportunity. It’s almost as though you open a magic door and allow them, or at least give them a safe space to reciprocate.

But what if you go first and the other person doesn’t reciprocate?

So what?

You don’t go first to get.

You go first because that’s the kind of person you are, or at least would like to be.

Going first does take some courage because it can make you feel vulnerable. And the truth is that there are some out there that will take advantage of your vulnerability. But the reality is that those individuals are few and far between.

The best thing about all the actions I suggested you take in the list above is that you have an infinite supply of all of those things.  So no one can really take them from you.

We as a society have created an environment where so many are competing to be the first at something, even at times to the detriment of their fellow humans. And there are times when competition can be healthy. However, if we spend just a little more energy going first, rather than being first, maybe we can make life a little better for all.

So why don’t you go first?

P.S. Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed it please share it with one person you love.