Three Simple Steps to Begin Living a Life grounded in Courageous Moments.

I've been called "a nice guy."

In reality, I'm probably nicer than some and not as nice as others.

Knowing I can "be nice" may FEEL good, but I'd rather my time, effort and energy be utilized as the ENCOURAGER.  An Encourager is defined as "someone who inspires, supports, and motivates others with the courage or confidence to do, or be, something."

Earlier this afternoon, a close friend left my office on her way to a really important job interview.

My last words to her before she got in her truck, "Just go be you. Nothing more. Nothing less. That's plenty!"

I did not say, "good luck."

She didn't need luck. She was prepared. She simply needed the courage to be herself...and that was going to be enough.

What I've realized about being the Encourager is the depth to which your influence can matter. The impact last longer than the short response provided when someone compliments someone else on their stylish shoes. In addition, it doesn't require a genius IQ, a polished resume, the infamous bloodline, or the Maserati to be encouraging. If you'll look deeper than the surface, you'll find a multitude of opportunities to share some courage.

This is why I take the "Practical Encourager" position in everything...and it continues to share the benefits.

Here are a few simple ways the "Practical Encourager" will produce untold benefits in your day to day.

* Genuinely Smile (all the time)...a genuine smile brings you and others off the defense. It allows them to warm up to you and affectively hear what you're saying. The very best police officers, security guards, school teachers, principals, CEO's, janitors, automechanics and bus drivers are those that smile genuinely every chance they get (and statistically get paid more).

* Ask about them (right away)...when the cafe server welcomes you with a smile and menu, stop taking the menu from them while you ask about the daily specials. Instead, look them in the eye and ask, "How's YOUR day?" or "What's YOUR name?" It lets them know, without getting weirdly personal, that you see yourself as their equal (because you are). You don't know if they were short on rent last month, their girlfriend broke up with them 20 minutes ago, their boss just yelled at them or their dad didn't call them on their birthday (earlier that day). Once you bring a human element into the relationship, you're no longer on seperate teams. At that moment, the "flow" begins to happen and your own experience will be upgraded in so many ways.

* Serve them (and don't expect to be served)...whether your dining in their cafe, riding in their cab, staying in their hotel or learning in their classroom, get in the habit of asking this very influential questions, "What can I do for you today?" It will take people offguard, so be prepared. If you're genuine about helping them, you're primed for another upgrade.

Despite the ease in which Encouragement can be shared, and the benefits to producing more courage, society still stands in a deficit.

In the next blog post, I'll share the primary reason WHY more people don't encourage others...and a few ways you can begin living a life created in courageous moments.

Be Encouraging (comment on...or share this article),

Brian