Courage and kindness are contagious.
I have been listening to an incredible podcast called Medal of Honor which shares the stories of winners of the Congressional Medal of Honor, our countries highest award for military service. The podcast tells the amazing stories of these individuals, but also delves into the essence of courage and sacrifice. What makes someone put themselves in harms way to save another? Where does bravery come from? I would encourage everyone to listen to these inspiring stories of American heroes.
One episode is dedicated to two Navy SEAL’s, Mike Thorton and Tommy Norris who inspired each other through their bravery and both won the Medal of Honor during the Viet Nam War.
Research has shown that seeing, or even just hearing about, an act of courage makes it more likely that you will be courageous yourself. The scientific term for that idea is pro-social contagion. When you witness kindness or heroism, two separate areas in your nervous system are activated. Your awareness is heightened. Your desire to protect others grows. You catch your heroism and kindness from others.
We see this all the time. One person holds a door open for the person behind them, and then suddenly a whole string of people are holding open the door as well.
This got me thinking about the current state of things and the general negative attitude I see in so many people these days. There is not a lot of pro-social contagion happening.
So how do we get things turning in a different direction? It starts with each of us. It starts with each of us displaying kindness and compassion for others. It starts by surrounding ourselves with positive, kind, and compassionate people. It starts by changing our own narrative to one worthy of emulation.
Pinehurst trip 2023
You knew this would get back to golf…but our annual pilgrimage to Pinehurst is next week and it demonstrates the concept of pro-social contagion to me. This is one of my favorite events of the year. This year we have 16 men ranging from age 24 to 75 on the trip. All good men. All positive men. All men that inspire me to be a better person. Inspire me to enjoy life a little more. Inspire me to be a better friend.
I have two real goals of this annual trip. First, to have fun playing golf with people I love. Second, to develop and encourage positive role models for my son Garret (30), his best friend Jordan (29), and my daughter Emmy’s boyfriend Blake (24).
As all guys do, we tease unmercifully and talk smack all week, but underneath all the banter is genuine appreciation for one another and real friendship. We are all elevated by the presence of the others. It is a special group of people.
So, don’t bitch, complain, and spread negativity. Don’t add to the toxicity of our already toxic world. Don’t surround yourself with people that keep you from being your best self.