Never Underestimate the Power of an Invitation

Never underestimate the power of simply inviting someone in.

Last night was our Wednesday Run/Walk Club. We meet in front of the State House at 5:00, we have a four-mile route, and the rules are pretty simple:

• Whoever shows up, shows up.

• Run it. Walk it. Do a little of both. Cut it short if you need to.

• Just show up and move.

As we gathered, a young man nearby had clearly just gotten off work. He was still dressed in his work clothes, backpack on, getting some steps in and soaking up the sunshine.

One of our clients struck up a conversation with him and invited him to join. He asked a few questions. How far? Are you running or walking? Where are you going?

Then he disappeared.

A few minutes later, he came back. Work clothes gone. Full gym attire.

He asked if he could throw his backpack in my car and join us.

And this complete stranger ran the entire four miles alongside me and pushed me to a pretty serious personal record in the process.

I couldn’t stop thinking about how cool that was.

One person noticed someone standing on the outside and invited him in.

He said yes.

And because of that tiny interaction, he got an unexpected four-mile run with a group of complete strangers.

We got to meet someone new.

And HE ended up pushing ME harder than I would have pushed myself.

That is community.

Impact doesn’t always come from some huge, life-changing gesture.

Sometimes it’s noticing someone.

Sometimes it’s saying, “Hey, want to come with us?”

Sometimes it’s being brave enough to say yes when you’re invited.

You truly never know what kind of ripple effect one small interaction can create.

Surround yourself with people who invite others in.

Surround yourself with people who push you.

And when you get the opportunity to be that person for somebody else, take it.