Who want's to Volunteer? Anyone?!

When was the last time you volunteered for something. No, I don't mean when was the last time you allowed yourself to be volunteered. Allowing yourself to be volunteered is something that happens through your inaction. Like when everyone in line takes back and there you are looking like you stepped forward! Similarly, being picked by the boss to volunteer is acquiescing, not volunteering.

Volunteering is when you purposely step forward, regardless of what anyone else is, or is not, doing. And because so few people actually do it, volunteering builds both credibility and visibility, too.

• Been meaning to earn a few extra points with the boss? Why not volunteer to help with his/her next big assignment?
• Been meaning to improve relations with your coworkers? Why not volunteer to work on a special project with them?
• Been meaning to do a little networking? Why not volunteer to join an industry association and work on a Committee or its Board?
• Been meaning to get to know people in the neighborhood a little bit better? Why not volunteer to help out at school function or with one of your kid's sports teams?
• Been meaning to meet that special someone? Why not volunteer at a 5K race or lecture series?

Volunteering puts you in different conversations, with different people, in different places. And while 'sameness' does have its benefits - familiarly being one of them - trying new things in new ways every so often is also very, very good for your soul.

If you've recently volunteered for something, you know exactly what I mean.