Not-So-Instant Karma

I'm a pretty lucky guy.

I have a great wife and family, a good job in a fun industry, and enough friends to keep me happy.

Why?

Karma.

Yes, I'm serious. At least in part.

I'm not particularly mystical, or spiritual. I've never meditated. The only time I went to a mountaintop seeking anything was on a hike during a trip to Vermont, and all I was seeking was some exercise and a nice lunch.

But I spent quite a bit of time this past week thinking about karma, as I hosted several college students at CNBC who were interested in spending a day and exploring possible careers in the media. They loved it. And so did I.

Why did I do this bit of good?

When I graduated from college in 1978, I wanted nothing more than a career in radio. In pursuit of that goal, I called a few dozen alumni of our radio station for Cornell students, WVBR-FM.

To a person, every single one took the time to talk to me and offer encouragement and advice. Several invited me to their workplaces. A few let me stay in their homes. It was an amazing feeling. I've never forgotten.

Over the years, I've had the chance to repay the favor. One of my former communications professors at Cornell brings a class of graduating seniors to New York City every year for a tour of various media outlets, and during my years at Bloomberg, I hosted a day for them.

This year, WVBR-FM reached out to alumni like myself for externship opportunities. I was thrilled when several of them expressed eagerness to follow me through my day at CNBC.

And you know what? Helping these students felt just as good - perhaps even better - than when I was helped as a graduating senior way back when. And it's fun to see your job through fresh, excited eyes.

Over the last 30 years, whenever anyone has asked for help in finding a job, I've helped. Success felt great even when I wasn't the job seeker.

This concept isn't just limited to the workplace.

When people ask if I can come over and fix their computers, I do it. I was a practicing tax preparer for years, and still do returns for my entire family. Whenever anyone asks for tax help, I give it.

My reward?

All the great things in life that I mention above. Do good, and good shall find you. It's happened too many times to be a coincidence.

A good friend who's now a high executive at a major media outfit was kind enough to serve as an advisor when I was negotiating the terms of my current job. When I wanted to send him a gift of some sort, he uttered these words to live by. "No need. Pay it forward."

I have. As often as I can.