In Middle School, back in good ol’ 1990’s (I’m an oak), I used to have a knack for assembling “guides” for various video games. In short, I merged how to win with the occasional list of cheat codes as a fallback. Typically, it would work like this:
New title gets released and everyone spends the weekend trying to conquer it
Monday morning arrives and they’re all stuck at various places, in need of some help
I, the Usenet-searching, nerd in the class, would volunteer to find some support (even though I hardly gamed myself)
By the end of the week, guides were assembled, printed, and distributed to those who asked (revenue wasn’t a focus)
This story is likely not surprising to anyone that knows me. At the time, it was my way of making inroads, paying it forward, or just being social. The same trend continued as cheat codes turned to building computers and more productive things.
All this to say, a habit was formed - mostly good, sometimes bad - in which I found it much easier to say yes when asked for help. And saying yes meant following through, earlier than promised, with more than agreed upon.
As I got older, this approach put me in a number of friend circles, despite being a social recluse at the time: athletes (jocks), the in-crowd, school administrators (nothing like fixing a computer to get out of class), friend’s parents, and beyond.
Reflecting from the present day, this seems to be a lost art. While age naturally reduces one’s free time as families are formed and professional responsibilities grow, there’s no reason we all can’t help each other out a bit. And there’s plenty of scientific evidence showing altruism to be the greatest source of happiness.
Beyond the psychological benefit, following through with helping others has a way of coming full circle. First and foremost, it establishes trust. It also lets people know who you are “at your core,” even when times may call for less benevolent actions. And finally, it reminds you what’s really important (needs vs. wants).
So with Thanksgiving in just a few days, an inflationary bear market (recession) brewing, and layoffs abound, take some time to help others. That doorbuster special TV isn’t worth the hassle…