When I was a little kid they did not have grocery cart return stalls.
The carts were just left all over the parking lot, and the hired cart kid would bring them back to the front of the store. Later on, I remember a period of time that we had to put a quarter into the handle of the cart to use it, which would entice people to return the cart to get their money back. (Aldi still utilizes this model). Today, most places have return stalls midway through the parking lot so people can put the carts there.
Yet, still, so many people just leave their carts floating around the parking lot? Why is that? Why are they not being returned?
So many times at school I’ll ask a student to pick something up. Their answer to me is often “It’s not mine. Why should I pick it up?” I answer back “Why should I pick it up?” Then, I go ahead and pick up the item.
I do this to model that these things need to be done and we shouldn’t be waiting for someone else to do it. I’ll do it.
When it comes to returning the grocery carts, picking up trash, and many other small improvements in our communities and world I say to myself, I’ll do it. If not you, then who? If not me, then who? If not now, then when? I’m not looking for another hero to come and do it for me.
I want to be a hero in my life and the lives of those I serve.
Now, these are just small examples, but I do believe in the power of compounding. The power of small experiences adding up to great things. Think about all the things you have control over in your day, whether it is the grocery cart, recycling, making a kind compliment to somebody else, writing a short note to somebody, or even giving a kind smile. This is not a lot of heavy lifting on your part but the results have a great impact.
So I ask you again: if not you, then who? If not now, then when?
Keep rolling, and keep getting after it. If I can help you in any way don’t hesitate to reach out at @andrewmarotta21
Quote: “Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.
—Bill Bradley”
