Actively foster positive beliefs about yourself and the world, as these beliefs can become self-fulfilling prophecies, changing your reality for the better.
Recognize and take ownership of the significant power your beliefs hold over who you and others become, choosing to find hope and believe in potential even amidst challenges.
Make kindness towards yourself a critical and foundational practice, as it is essential for personal well-being and for sustainably extending kindness to others.
Shift your perspective on self-compassion, viewing it as a powerful strength for coping effectively with difficulties rather than a weakness or indulgence.
Integrate self-compassion into your life to maintain and increase your capacity for kindness towards others, preventing burnout and allowing you to do more good.
When facing personal difficulties, ask yourself how you would treat a loved one in the same situation and apply that same warm, understanding light to yourself.
Choose to believe in the good intentions and capabilities of others, as this belief can have a powerful, positive effect on them and foster stronger relationships.
Refrain from assuming the worst about people without any evidence, as blind cynicism can cause you to miss opportunities for learning, connection, and building relationships.
Recognize that your past experiences do not dictate all future interactions, and cultivate curiosity about others, giving them a chance beyond your initial assumptions.
When you feel yourself rushing to judgment, pause and question the evidence for your reaction, considering alternative explanations and your own internal state.
Actively seek out and pay attention to the positive things people are doing all around you, which often go unnoticed, to rebalance your perception and foster greater trust.
Extend opportunities and trust to others, even if past experiences make you hesitant, to allow for new, positive interactions and overcome limiting assumptions.
Sometimes, take the risk of trusting someone as a powerful first step, rather than waiting for absolute certainty, as this behavioral activation can lead to positive experiences.
Start new interactions by trusting others and assuming goodwill; if proven wrong, update your approach but occasionally offer chances for renewed trust.
View trust not as a risk to yourself, but as a powerful gift you give to others, recognizing its positive impact on them and the potential harm of mistrust.
When you trust someone, make sure they know you expect them to reciprocate that trust and do the right thing, as people are more likely to step up to positive expectations.
Actively choose to believe in the good parts of people and demonstrate that you notice these qualities, which opens up possibilities for them to live up to that belief.
When delivering criticism or discipline, present it as an opportunity for growth and potential to do better, rather than a judgment of inherent flaws.
Intentionally elevate and highlight positive, empathic behavior in others, and challenge negativity or cruelty, as your actions create norms that influence those around you.
Actively highlight and make visible the positive behaviors and kindness present in your environment to help people notice existing positive norms and encourage conformity to them.
Be intentional and mindful of the power your words have, recognizing that you are part of the social environment others ’take in,’ and avoid spreading unexamined assumptions.
Recognize that your attention naturally gravitates towards extreme or harmful attitudes, and consciously avoid confusing these with the majority’s behavior to maintain a balanced view.
Actively share and celebrate the positive experiences, joy, and happiness of others, recognizing this as a key and often overlooked aspect of empathy.
Focus on contributing to the success of the team or group, understanding that individual success often follows from collective achievement rather than solely individual effort.
Intentionally perform small acts of kindness for others, even if you anticipate personal costs, and then closely observe the positive feelings and energy it generates.
Give in ways that are enjoyable, make sense, and do not deplete you, as this strategic approach leads to greater happiness and success compared to unwise, selfless giving.
Group your acts of kindness or giving into specific, convenient times to make them more efficient and enjoyable, reducing friction in your life and making them sustainable.
Differentiate between genuine kindness and an unhealthy obligation to fulfill every request, ensuring your giving doesn’t harm yourself or others through excessive self-sacrifice.
Advocate for or implement dedicated ‘other care days’ in workplaces, allowing employees structured time to help others in ways they choose, fostering meaning and connection.
When disagreeing, engage by asking for and sharing personal stories behind opinions, seeking common ground rather than debating positions, to foster understanding and reduce polarization.
Be intentional about your online behavior by sending positive reinforcement, reaching out to those struggling, or publicly highlighting kind acts, using technology to broaden kindness.