In 2004, Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D. coauthored a book titled How Full is Your Bucket? New York: Gallop Press. In it they challenged readers to take the “Positive Impact Test” (p. 94) to ascertain whether they have low impact, some impact or high impact on their environment. The test is based upon the premise that with each interaction we impact others in either a positive or negative manner. Like dipping in and removing water from a bucket or making a deposit, our interactions with others either fill us or deplete us emotionally.

I’d like to respond to the authors’ suggestion to “send the link to friends” (visit www.bucketbook.com for additional resources) with a challenge to see how you might focus on being a bucket filler today.

To get the ball rolling, here are a few questions to ask as you navigate this task:

-  Do people proactively reach out to me for assistance (even when they have other options)?

-  If required, are there at least 3 people who would serve as references for me today?

-  Can I remember the last time I helped someone just because I was able to do so?