How Full is Your Bucket?

Has anyone ever made a negative comment or criticized you in some way?  How did it make you feel?  Have you ever done or said something that you deeply regretted and wanted to take back?  How did that make you feel?  Probably, in both cases it made you feel bad/sad/mad/etc.  Well, that is called "Bucket Dipping" and it makes everyone feel awful!
However, if we are in the business of "Bucket Filling", we have positive things to say to and about others.  Conversely, when others say or do positive things to you, that is also "Bucket Filling".  This concept can apply to everyone - teachers, staff, students, administrators, parents, community members, etc.  In order to build a positive school culture, there must be lots of "Bucket Filling"!

The Theory of the Dipper and the Bucket

1. Each of you has an invisible bucket. Depending on what others say and do, it is constantly emptied or filled.  When your bucket is full, you feel great.  When it's empty, you feel awful.
2. Each of you has an invisible dipper.  When we use that dipper to fill other people's buckets - by saying or doing things to increase their positive emotions - you also fill your own bucket.  But, when you use that dipper to dip from others' buckets - by saying or doing things that decrease their positive emotions - you diminish yourself.
3. A full bucket gives you a positive outlook and renewed energy.  Every drop added to your bucket makes you stronger and more optimistic.
4. But, an empty bucket poisons your outlook, saps your energy, and undermines your will.  That's why every time someone dips from your bucket, it hurts you.
5. We face a choice with every moment of every day:  you can fill one another's buckets, or you can dip from them.  It's an important choice - one that profoundly influences your relationships, productivity, health, and happiness.

Some interesting facts:

1. The #1 reason people leave their jobs:  They don't feel appreciated.
2. Bad bosses could increase the risk of stroke by 33%.
3. 65% of Americans received no recognition in the workplace last year.
4. 9 out of 10 people say they are more productive when they're around positive people.
5. We experience approximately 20,000 individual moments every day.
6. The magic ratio:  5 positive interactions for every 1 negative interaction.
7. Extending longevity:  Increasing positive emotions could lengthen life span by 10 years.

Five Strategies for Filling Buckets!

1. Prevent bucket dipping
2. Shine a light on what is right
3. Make best friends
4. Give unexpectedly
5. The Golden Rule

Epilogue

Imagine what your world would be like if you engaged in daily bucket filling for one full year.  You might see the following changes:

• Your workplace will be a lot more productive and fun!
• You'll have lots of friends!
• Everyone around you will be more satisfied and engaged!
• Your personal relationships will be stronger!
• Your relationships will be closer!
• You will be healthier, happier, and could possibly live longer!

There is lots of scientific evidence that backs the concept of "Bucket Filling".  Take every opportunity to increase positive emotions of others by filling their buckets!  You can make a huge difference and it may even change the world. 

So, don't waste any time - every moment counts!  Get out there and fill some buckets!