Beyond The Forklift: Lifting Up

The forklift is an amazing machine that can lift and move thousands of pounds, saving time and making physical jobs easier. In order to optimize the machine’s performance, it must be maintained. Just like a machine requires regular maintenance, the human mind, body and spirit must also be maintained. As humans, we are social beings with the innate desire to be nurtured and respected with words of appreciation, encouragement or gratitude.

The power of psychological encouragement can begin with a word or acknowledgement and make a significant impact in not only that person’s life, but to lives they interact with, at home and at work.   The simple act of giving someone support, confidence or hope is within us all and is a gift that needs to be given away often.

At TVH, we use our words of gratitude to inspire those around us. A new addition to our Nudge Center includes a Gratitude Tree. This gives us an opportunity to focus our energy on gratitude for all we do have and what brings happiness to our lives. Employees are encouraged to write on a paper leaf what they are grateful for and then attach the leaf to the tree.

Take a moment and recall a person who encouraged or inspired you at some point in your life.  Perhaps it was a parent, sibling, coach, friend, co-worker or mentor, whose words empowered you with confidence.

Last year, I received a call from an outside number while I was at work.  The gentleman shared his name and stated he was with a competitor of the company, but that wasn’t important.  He was calling because he had read my Stay Calm & Walk On Nudge article in a past Network magazine issue.

During the conversation, he shared his testimonial.  “After reading your article, a series of events unfolded that dramatically changed my life.  I’m 61 years old and 6’1” weighing 290 lbs. The words hit home. I looked at my life and said to myself “Enough, I can take the baby steps she’s talking about and make some changes”.

The simple changes he made included:

™       Walking regularly at work and after dinner at home with wife

™       Bringing lunch to work / eating healthier

™       Drinking water instead of sodas

In a few months later, he’s down 37 pounds and feels much healthier.  “I had to call to say THANK YOU!  The article definitely helped me make the changes.”

Be the change you want to see in the world. Remember, your words have great power.  Use them to support, lift up and inspire those around you.

In 1989, a forklift lifted 90 tons! It is still a world record! To put that in perspective that is like lifting 17 elephants!  Image how lives can be lifted through daily words of encouragement.

If you would like to know more about TVH and the Nudge Health and Wellness programs, contact Lucy DelSarto, Health & Wellness Coach for TVH Americas, at lucy.delsarto@tvh.com.