Pat's case study taught us that "Your daily actions and words impact more people than you may ever know!"

This case study taught me some incredibly valuable lessons and really helped me understand some of the possibilities for SparkPeople. The lessons here demonstrate that by motivating some people to become leaders, there is a good chance they will then inspire other people to do great things!

- Chris

*****

The most amazing result of the workout streak is the lesson learned from the story of Pat, a former co-worker at Procter & Gamble (P&G). Pat worked across the hall from me, so she saw firsthand many of my silly antics (don't ask her about the time my pant cuff became entangled on a hanging file folder as I hurriedly attempted to step over a file drawer - the result was NOT pretty). To quote Pat on her physical condition when I started my workout streak, "If I wanted my body in a state of physical wreck, then so be it."

Since it is good to tell others about goals (because this leads to more chance for success), I told people at work about the workout streak. As the streak progressed, Pat jokingly hassled me about it - but gave me serious praise - and she sometimes wrote the number of the streak on a note and put it on my door. As a joke, Pat started her own streak of days she had not worked out in the morning.

One morning Pat arrived at the office, unpacked, wrote the number 1 on a note, and placed it on her office door. She proudly announced that she worked out that morning. The look of pride and joy on her face is one I will not easily forget.

For the next month, Pat worked on her program, gradually increasing her walking time. Then, Pat transferred to a new position at another P&G site in Cincinnati.

We talked via E-mail, but did not see each other in person for several months. When she did visit, Pat was the talk of the office. She looked great, and was outwardly upbeat and positive about life. When Pat talked to me, she credited me with changing her life by inspiring her and supporting her efforts.

I was stunned. Someone I really didn't know that well was praising me for changing her life. All I had done was provide some structure (the workout program) and some motivation - neither of which took much time from me. Sure, I hoped to influence others by my actions, but to see such a transformation in someone was an eye-opener. I began to see the true possibilities of motivating others. It's funny that Pat thinks I helped her so much, because she actually helped me - another example that teaching others is a great way to learn!

This story gets better. Pat was so happy about her workouts and new outlook on life that she organized a group of co-workers to walk on breaks. She went the extra step and became a leader and motivator herself.

Since then, I have kept in touch with Pat, sometimes giving her quick motivators (and vice-versa!). After the holidays, she was down because she had let her program lapse. I re-motivated her by pointing out everything she had accomplished and that she had motivated others to change their lives. She responded that I was cheaper than a therapist!

After thinking about this series of events, I realized that it truly is hard to comprehend the number of people a single individual can affect, since people you motivate might go on to motivate many other people. Who knows, you could motivate someone, who in turn motivates someone else. Then that person you have never met might turn out to be one of the great leaders of the world because of your help (hey, it could happen)! So, the lesson is: