Second Cup: 1000 gestures

A little bit of thoughtfulness adds up

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio Good Morning.
This is Laura. Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast. Today's
tip is that little gestures add up to make a
big impact, so don't hesitate to make small efforts that,

(00:27):
over time, will contribute to a better environment. Today's tip,
like a couple of others over the next few weeks,
comes from Danny Meyer's book Setting the Table, The Transforming
Power of Hospitality in Business. Setting the Table offers insights

(00:49):
Meyer has learned in the restaurant business that are relevant
for people in other contexts too. Danny Meyer describes how
he encourages man at his restaurants to take ten minutes
a day to make three gestures that, in his words,
exceed expectations and take a special interest in our guests.

(01:14):
He points out that in a year that adds up
to more than a thousand gestures, which can make a
big impact. The gestures that restaurant managers offer might be
small gifts or thoughtful words that create connection for the
rest of us. Even if hospitality isn't our official job,

(01:36):
making three gestures of thoughtfulness per day is still possible,
and those few gestures may be enough to have an
effect on the culture in our homes and workplaces, and
also on our moods. There are lots of things you
could do in just a few minutes. For instance, you

(01:58):
could write a sweet note for a child or your partner.
You could send an email to a colleague expressing appreciation
for something that the person did. If you like baking
and you know your neighbor eats sweets, you can make
an extra plate of something special and bring it over.

(02:22):
When you're driving. You could let someone with the out
of state tags merge in front of you at a
tricky intersection, not because it is their turn, but because
it is kind. You can send a postcard to a godchild, niece, nephew,
or any other young person in your life. You don't

(02:44):
have to be traveling to send a postcard. A postcard
you mail from your own mailbox or post office can
be just as delightful. In a similar vein send a
care package to a college student that you know. Even
casual conversation can be a gift. If you see a

(03:04):
neighbor walking his dog when you're driving home from work,
you could pull over and have a quick chat. You
should leave good tips, of course, but you could also
write a note on the credit card receipt, letting your
waiter know how pleasant your lunch was. If you shop
somewhere and an employee was gracious, write to headquarters and

(03:29):
let them know. It only takes a minute or two,
and someone will eventually wade through even those generic email
address and boxes. The message will likely be forward or around.
Then people will appreciate it. The little gestures we make
can make other people's days, and it really doesn't have

(03:51):
to be much. A little bit adds up, and one
thousand gestures a year can make your life brighter. Two.
In the meantime, this is Laura. Thanks for listening, and
here's to making the most of our text. Hey everybody,

(04:19):
I'd love to hear from you. You can send me
your tips, your questions, or anything else. Just connect with
me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at Before Breakfast Pod.
That's b E the number four then Breakfast pod. You
can also shoot me an email at Before Breakfast Podcasts
at iHeartMedia dot com.

Speaker 2 (04:40):
That Before Breakfast is spelled out with all the letters.
Thanks so much, should I look forward to staying in touch.
Before Breakfast is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts
from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever

(05:00):
you listen to your favorite shows.

Speaker 1 (05:10):
M