Be a Caddy to the People Around You

Be a Caddy to the People Around You

So much of our time is spent looking at others, envying what they have, criticizing them, and worrying about what they think of us. This is inherent in us as human beings. This observation isn't new, yet I rarely see people making efforts to counteract these feelings. Perhaps it's because we can't truly know the emotions and feelings of others aside from our own. However, I believe we, as humans, have immense potential to help others.

Think of a time when you received praise for something you did. The feeling of appreciation and gratitude after someone says something good about you is unmatched. We all know this feeling, yet we are often so focused on seeking it for ourselves that we overlook the opportunity to help others achieve this state of mind.

Oddly enough, I began to think more about this while watching an episode of Parks and Recreation. Chris Traeger, an upbeat character, said, “I love being a caddy. It is not just about carrying clubs. It is about offering positive reinforcement…I consider myself a caddy to everyone in my life.”

A caddy stands by a professional golfer’s side for all four rounds of a tournament, reading greens, advising on club choice, pin placement, and many other elements of the game. If a golfer wins, it's rare for a caddy to receive much credit. However, without the caddy, it would be nearly impossible for the golfer to win the tournament alone. Chris Traeger’s observation struck a chord with me.

We should all strive to be like a caddy. We have the ability to give positive reinforcement and help others, which can have a tremendous impact. A caddy’s job is to offer advice and positive reinforcement whether the golfer is leading the tournament or in last place. Being able to offer positive reinforcement and avoid criticism, whether people are on top of the world or down in the dumps, can lead them to great success. I hope everyone can strive to be a caddy to those around them.