Over the kindness project, we’ve talked about the benefits of kindness to ourselves and our workplace. However, knowing something is good for us is not always enough to get us moving upon a path of self-improvement. Whether it is trying to exercise more or learn a new language, our old habits, current life circumstances, or any number of obstacles can prevent change in our lives. Striving for greater kindness in our lives is no different. Whether it’s exhaustion from a tough week at work, or reading the latest news in the world, sometimes it is difficult to keep kindness at the forefront of our thoughts and actions.
Sometimes, a small forced change in our behavior can be enough to push us in the right direction. In this spirit, I challenge us all to participate in the “10:5 Rule” over a week. The 10:5 Rule started out as a rule in the hospitality industry to ensure that staff presented a welcoming outward attitude to guests and customers. However, it has become recognized as a helpful way to jumpstart kindness in areas outside of direct customer service.
The idea behind the 10:5 rule is that anytime you find yourself within 10 feet (3 meters) of someone, you should smile and make eye contact. When you are within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of someone, you should greet them with a friendly hello or other greeting. It’s a small gesture, but one that can easily shine a kind light toward everyone you encounter.
Please let us know in the Slack #rubin-be-kind channel if you tried to implement the 10:5 Rule in your own life, or if you’ve noticed others following it at work!
Financial support for Rubin Observatory comes from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through Cooperative Agreement No. 1258333, the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science under Contract No. DE-AC02-76SF00515, and private funding raised by the LSST Corporation. The NSF-funded Rubin Observatory Project Office for construction was established as an operating center under management of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). The DOE-funded effort to build the Rubin Observatory LSST Camera (LSSTCam) is managed by the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC).
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an
independent federal agency created by Congress
in 1950 to promote the progress of science. NSF supports basic research and people to create knowledge that transforms the future.
NSF and DOE will continue to support Rubin Observatory in its Operations phase. They will also provide support for scientific research with LSST data.
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