We’re trained to be a transactional society — you do this for me, and I’ll do that for you. This exercise flips that social script and creates delightful connections. We start to think of everyone as a potential friend. We start to commit random acts of kindness. We start to build a richer, broader network with people outside of our sphere. And in the process, we start to like ourselves — and others — just a little bit more.

For You

Next time you’re in line for coffee, offer an extra $5 for the person behind you. If you notice a stranger in a sharp-looking outfit, let them know. Share a big smile with someone who looks down. Offer to babysit for a time-stretched neighbor. Send a letter to a favorite teacher. And most importantly, treat yourself to something decadent — like a pedicure or a massage.

For Your Team

Share your experiences of paying it forward at your next team meeting. Then ask others to start paying it forward with teammates. See if teammates can surprise each other by doing small favors in sneaky ways — bringing a cup of coffee, stocking paper in the copier, cleaning out a team member’s work vehicle.