On Getting Credit

When are your good intentions motivated by being acknowledged, seen, or otherwise getting credit for doing something helpful?

A common way this works is we make bargains in our heads with other people, but don’t include them in the bargain. We think, “I’ll do the dishes and then my partner can take out the trash.” Then we get upset when the other person doesn’t take out the trash.

With that in mind, complete an act of kindness that has the potential to make a significant positive impact but which almost guarantees you will not get any credit for completing.

After doing it, reflect on the concept “getting credit.” Consider the different meanings of the expression “getting credit” and of the word “credit.” Play with these. Put them in the context of your life.

Do you know anyone for whom getting credit may not be important? Who?

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