2025 has passed into memory, and we are now a week into 2026. I have been asked several times in the past week what my resolutions for the New Year might be.
There are many areas in which I’m sure we could all use some personal growth. Last week I talked about taking care of ourselves and refilling our own tank. This week, I encourage each of you to resolve to make a greater impact for kindness and respect this year. It is clear that the standard for kindness and respect has completely dissolved at the national level, including among our national leaders. Therefore, it HAS to come from us. I encourage you to join me in resolving to treat each person we encounter with respect – especially as we head into an election year that is already highly charged on both sides of the aisle.
I am not encouraging you to respect everyone. I have discussed many times the difference between respecting someone and treating someone with respect. I am encouraging you to make a concerted effort this year to treat each and every person you encounter with kindness and as respectfully as you would want to be treated yourself.
Some ways we can do that are: acknowledge the presence of others, even in passing. Don’t make assumptions about people. Make eye contact. Smile. Initiate conversation when possible. Defend the dignity of others. Avoid or object to humor that is at the expense of another, for any reason. Offer a helping hand.
What would this year look like for you, your family, your community, the nation, if each of us made a solid effort to treat each other with kindness and respect, all the time, EVERY time? Let’s not wait for any of this to come from the national level. These past few years have proven that it will not. It’s up to us.
In the words of the late Mahatma Gandhi, BE the change you wish to see happen in the world. Lead by example, inspiring and motivating each other to find significance through kindness and respect this year.
Read Lauren’s Whitepaper on The Nine Essentials of Significant Leadership.