In and out of the workplace, we are unrelenting in our criticism of other people. We hasten to pass judgment on their lives, state of mind, and their on and off-the-job performance, not having the slightest clue about what they are going through or the inner demons they are trying to silence.

But when it comes to offering simple kudos, well-earned praise, or even a mere smile, we can be pretty stingy.

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We hold onto our praises, judge people on their worst days, and mistake them for who they really are while expecting for ourselves the complete opposite from everyone else.

We expect others to return our smiles, but the moment someone fails to smile back at us, we refuse to offer our smiles to them anymore unless they do it first.

This is small of us, and honestly, we are better than this. You are better than this.

So, if you are reading this, aspire to be the bigger person. To be the change agent in your social and professional circles. To be the first person to:

• Give that kudos.
• Send that thank you email.
• Keep offering that smile no matter it gets reciprocated or not.
• Have that heart to heart with someone you know is not in the right headspace.

Remember: It all starts with you.