How Lifting Others Expands Your Own Success

When a teammate scores, Abby points to the person who set her up. She knows that every goal belongs to an ecosystem of effort—passes, sprints, shouts from the bench. On a chilly afternoon practice, she watched a rookie defense player block a shot that would have leveled the game. The next day, Abby walked up, patted her shoulder, and said, “Your tackle saved this season’s win probability.” The rookie’s face glowed.

That moment reminded Abby that celebrating others is like planting seeds in a shared garden. Each note of praise releases oxytocin, boosting trust and collaboration. Neuroscience shows that when we observe someone share credit, our mirror neurons light up, making us more likely to do the same. It’s contagious generosity.

In an office team, Mia noticed her coworker extra-hours coding an advanced filter for their app. She took ten seconds in the daily stand-up to say, “Alex, that filter is brilliant and it cut load times in half.” The group applauded, and Alex beamed. Later, Alex introduced Mia to a senior developer who offered her a spot on a dream project.

Research on social capital tells us that building others up not only strengthens relationships but also expands your own network and influence. Abundance isn’t just a feeling—it’s a strategy. By genuinely championing each other, you create a cycle of generosity that lifts the entire Pack.

You start by noticing one peer’s achievement each day and mentally noting its impact. Then you send a quick message—whether email, text, or in person—that highlights what they did and why it matters. Next, you invite collaboration by offering to connect them with someone or propose a joint effort. At the week’s end, you reflect on how these acts changed your mood and relationships. Give it a try this week.