Small, forgettable acts of help can change someone's life, and the people who changed yours may not know it, so tell them.
The idea
We touch so many people (a quick email reply, a call, a coffee) that we can't remember all of them or what we did for them. Some of those forgettable moments were turning points for the other person. It runs the other way too: the people who changed your life may have no idea.
How to do it
Think back to the inflection points in your life, or smaller wins like a past referral or a major client.
Ask who was there, and whether they know how much it mattered.
If not, tell them. Gratitude for the people who made a difference runs year-round, and it shows them what you value.
Example
A product manager candidate I was interviewing asked, "You don't remember who I am, do you?" Years earlier he had cold emailed me about switching into tech. I gave him a quick call and a couple of intros to founders and went on with my life. One intro came through, and now he was telling me I'd changed his life.
Delayed Gratitude: Thank someone months or years later for an intro or referral, say what it led to, and attach no ask.
Generative vs. Transactional Relationships: Transactional relationships end when the exchange does. Generative ones are long-term, uneven and keep creating new value, so they deserve your tracking and care.
Divorce the Action From the Result: You control the outreach, never the reply or the result, so judge yourself on whether you reached out and how well you swung.
Stop Holding Back Your Gifts: Withholding useful help because sharing feels pushy is the selfish move. If you think it might help someone, send it.