What is the GOLD STAR CHALLENCE?
Okay, so, I've been thinking about creating a Gold Star Chart for my 4 1/2 year old to motivate her to stay in her Sunday school class at Church. We've just moved and so she's been leary about her new friends, new classroom, and new church building. At her age, gold stars go a long way. She loves seeing that row of gold grow across the page and sometimes that does the trick to help her do better at whatever I'm trying to teach her.
Well, it got me thinking about Gold Stars, and how it's been a while since I received a gold star. As a mother of four children, I do a lot of things that should earn me a gold star. Like doing the dishes. I washed all the Sunday dishes, all by myself, and because it's Sunday we dirty a lot of dishes. The sink and counters were overflowing with plates, cups, bowls, and silverware. After I was done, I thought to myself, "I earned a gold star for that." But nobody gave me one. Nobody clapped their hands and jumped up and down and said, "Jodi, you are such a good dish washer." As I dried that last dish and placed it in the cupboard, I pictured my husband placing a gold star on my forehead and my children surrounding me with clapping hands and patting me on the back. I liked it.
Getting a Gold Star just makes you feel good. You remember how it felt, don't you? Which...brings me to my point that no matter how old we are, no matter what we've achieved in life, we all crave positive feedback. We all need that pat on the back, that "A" for effort, or that gold star that tells us that we're doing great! So, here's another thought; as much as we'd like to receive a gold star, how often do we give a gold star? GIVING OUT gold stars, or compliments, or positive feedback in general, also feels really good because the person you're giving it to feeds you positive energy right back. It's a win-win!
So, here is the GOLD STAR CHALLENGE. This week is going to be my GOLD STAR week. And, it's most appropriate for the holidays because on top of my Christmas tree is, in fact, a gold star. It's a great reminder that I need to give GOLD STARS to my husband, to my children, to my friends, and even to strangers. I'm so excited! Even the check out lady at Wal-mart is going to get a gold star from me today, I can just feel it. And I can't wait! This will be the best week ever because I'm going to set a goal to give out 100 gold stars. Ya, think I can do it? Piece-a-cake.
JOIN ME in the GOLD STAR CHALLENGE and WIN a FREE BOOK: So, if you're interested in joining me, give out as many gold stars as you can and POST your experience in the comments below. Next Tuesday, December 22, 2009, I'll post the THREE winners.
Let's give out a little gold! I'll report back and let you know what I did with all of my gold stars. I'd love to know what you did with yours.
I RECEIVED A GOLD STAR FROM A READER
I did receive a wonderful Gold Star this morning from a reader of my book, "Women of Virtue." It's so nice when someone takes the time to email you and tell you that you've made a difference in their life. Seriously, it's worth more than gold. So, thanks to Elizabeth Adams, I'm starting off my Monday with an imaginary Gold Star on my forehead...and I feel like a winner. Thanks, Elizabeth. You gave me a Gold Star and because of you I'm passing along Gold Stars to everyone I meet for the rest of the week.
Dear Jodi,
I don't know if you remember me but I'm Elizabeth Adams. You gave a talk at my church, at our 'Young Women in Exellence' night. You gave me your book, "Women of Virtue", and I just finished reading it, and I just had to thank you. It's my new favorite book! I think I cried three times while reading it! It was so inspirational and I just wanted to thank you for giving me a copy. I feel that your book is a such a gift to all women and I so hope you keep writing. Your book really touched my heart, and I just want to, again, thank you so, so much.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Adams
Again, thanks Elizabeth. Your Gold Star was as good as gold.
