Invisible Buckets?

Did you know that we all have an invisible bucket? It’s true. No, it’s not hanging on our waist or dragging behind us; it’s more of a representation of our current state of happiness. In tune with our day-to-day encounters, our buckets are constantly being filled and emptied. If we have a positive encounter with someone, our bucket is filled. If we have a negative encounter—such as being harshly admonished—our bucket is emptied.

In addition to having a bucket, we each have a dipper. These dippers are also representations; however, this time it represents our actions. If we cause a positive encounter—by making someone feel good—we use our dippers to fill that person’s bucket, and also to fill our own. Our bucket is filled, because by filling another’s bucket, we are building our character. Contrariwise, if we cause a negative interaction to take place, we dip from the other person’s bucket and also dip from our own. Our buckets are being dipped from, because by dipping from another’s bucket we are demeaning ourselves.

In our everyday lives, interactions can mean the difference between having a great day and having a horrible day. If a thousand things are going right and one person says something negative, we still tend to feel bad. For example, imagine yourself at work or school. You are about to be honored for doing a great job on a big project and are really excited. Someone comes up to you and makes a joke about your project in front of your peers. For one reason or another, that negative comment seems to dip deeply in your bucket. The good news is that you can make a positive out of the situation.

Whenever I am personally faced with a situation that tries to undercut my character, I don’t sink to the level of insults. It may seem difficult at the time to resist retaliation, but by not sending back an insult, I am expressing confidence in myself.

I have personally witnessed people around me reflect my actions. When I am respectful, they are respectful. When I am rude, they are rude. I have also been victim to acting like others around me. In any of my interactions, I remember that I have a bucket and a dipper. If by filling others buckets encourages them to fill mine, then why not? I challenge you to go out and start filling others buckets. You can’t control others’ actions, but you can become the bucket filler you were meant to be.

The Bucket Theory is based on the book, “How Full Is Your Bucket.” It is an outstanding read and is worth checking out. For more information on the book and the Bucket Theory, visit: www.bucketbook.com.