The world is filled with injustices and negativity. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming, leaving you feeling as if nothing an individual person could do will make a difference. However, that is definitely not the case. Small acts can have outsized impacts on others, sometimes in life-changing ways. Here are four simple things you can do to make a genuine difference in the lives of others.
- Practice Kindness
This is sometimes easier said than done, but practicing kindness is one of the most effective ways to directly impact others. Plus, each act you undertake can potentially affect hundreds of others through a natural chain of events.
If you are wondering what practicing kindness looks like in real life, it’s really simple. It could be holding a door for someone loaded with packages, offering a genuine smile and conversation to someone alone, or responding positively to a negative situation. So, the next time your favorite item is out of stock, don’t be harsh with the cashier. Instead, offer a word of kindness and ask him to call you when it comes in.
- Shop at Socially Responsible Companies
Many companies are starting to realize the importance of social responsibility. As a result, they are developing programs to support a range of projects and people. For example, Young Living Essential Oils has long supported healthy and natural living. Its Young Living Foundation is a superb social responsibility effort that supports educational pursuits, works to reduce exploitation, and funds conservation efforts.
When you shop, be aware of what the companies you support do to help others. Switching where you spend your dollars is a simple thing to do, and it sends a signal to retailers that their actions matter. Asking a few questions can help you choose which businesses to frequent:
- Are they giving back to the communities where they have a heavy presence?
- Do they support a healthier environment?
- How do they ensure raw materials are sourced without exploiting local labor markets?
- Are they transparent about how much they give back in responsibility efforts?
- Volunteer in Your Community
Volunteering your time is a selfless act that can significantly impact others. In many cases, you are sharing a kind moment with someone who might not otherwise have one. In others, you are freeing up financial resources at strained non-profits so they can continue overall operations.
Usually, the best approach to finding a volunteer opportunity is to start with things you are passionate about. Then, you can narrow your search to organizations that work in those areas. If you have a hobby or skill others admire, think about sharing it. Teaching others can bring joy to you and those that you instruct. The best part is that there are really no limits on what you can teach: It can be writing poetry, painting, playing an instrument, coding, or a favorite sport.
Websites, such as VolunteerMatch, can help connect you with like-minded groups. If you are still unsure where to start, these ideas can help provide some inspiration:
- Contact a local senior center about offering classes or delivering meals to homebound older adults
- Sit and have lunch with kids at your local elementary school
- Sign up to read to an afterschool program
- Start a walking club to help boost community fitness
- Help to cultivate a community garden
- Act When You See Something Wrong
Sometimes, doing the right thing is hard. However, when you see something wrong, walking away without doing something amounts to supporting the action. If you see something wrong, no matter how small or large the offense, it’s important to act.
You might choose to intervene in the moment, such as by stopping bullying while it occurs or calling the police if you see a robbery or assault. However, that isn’t always possible. If you learn about a situation later on, or if stepping in will put you in extreme danger or escalate a situation, do something about it as soon as possible.
Every person has the power to make a difference in the world. Supporting responsible businesses, volunteering your time, and speaking up when you see injustice are all important ways you can act to make the world a better place. Remember, an action as simple as a smile or kind word can turn someone’s day around.