Kindness, for me, isn’t just a word—it’s a way of living. Along with love, compassion, peace, and positivity, kindness is one of my top values. These aren’t just ideas I talk about; they shape how I show up in the world. But here’s the thing: I’m not always kind and don’t expect anyone else to be. Many people say they’re “always kind,” but that’s a tough bar to reach. The truth is, we’re all human—and sometimes, we miss the mark.
That’s where my scale comes in. I’ve practiced kindness as a daily habit for years, using a scale from 0 (all negative, all unkind) to 100 (all positive, all kind). And honestly, I don’t know anyone who lives at either extreme. For me, staying between 80% and 100% kindness most of the time works. It’s not about perfection—it’s about being as true to my values as possible. When I fall short, I show compassion, make amends if needed, and move forward.
This isn’t about expecting others to strive for that same percentage; it’s about the practice itself. I’ve found that being at 51% or more keeps me in solutions mode rather than focusing on problems. It shifts my perspective to finding positive outcomes, even in challenging situations. And the more you practice, the quicker you catch yourself when you slip and can adjust.
In my coaching, writing, and speaking, I help people reframe their thoughts, words, and actions to focus on creating the life they love and pay less attention to things they fear. The more you practice kindness, the easier it becomes to get back on track when you veer off. It’s not about striving for a perfect 100% but about choosing kindness most of the time and being gentle with yourself when you don’t.
Moving forward, I invite you to choose kindness by:
Notice your thoughts, words, and actions and adjust as needed. By paying attention to these, you can stay in a positive mindset and course-correct when you start to slip. Make intentional choices that reflect your values.
Be gentle with yourself when you’re self-critical. When you catch yourself being hard on yourself, remember that being human means sometimes missing the mark. It’s okay. Acknowledge it, be kind to yourself, and keep moving forward.
Focus on minimizing unkindness, not eliminating it. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to be perfect, focus on decreasing the moments of unkindness. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the kindness you show to others and yourself. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to stay in a positive, kind space.
Kindness is a daily practice. There will be days when it comes easily and when it’s harder, but with practice, you will find that kindness helps you navigate life’s celebrations, struggles, and sorrows with greater ease. If you’re ready to deepen your kindness practice and start seeing the difference it can make in your life, I want to personally invite you to join my Free 21-Day Kindness Pledge beginning March 1st. This pledge is designed to guide you in daily practices that will help you maximize kindness and minimize negativity, leading to a happier and healthier life.
Don’t wait—take this step to up-level your kindness today! Learn more and sign up here.
Affirmation:
I choose kinder thoughts, words, and actions.
Words to Love By:
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. – Aesop
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. – Mark Twain
Sounds for Your Soul:
