Spend money on a good charity instead of on yourself, as research shows this makes givers feel happier than they expect. This also creates a “win-win” by increasing happiness for both the giver and the recipient.
Focus charitable giving on global health programs in low-income countries, as they offer significantly higher impact per dollar (e.g., saving a child’s life for $5,000) compared to many domestic programs.
Actively reduce the effort required for acts of kindness and charitable giving, such as using organized meal trains or platforms like givingmultiplier.org/happinesslab, to overcome barriers and make generosity easier.
Practice doing nice things regularly to make generosity a habit, which will reduce friction over time and make it easier to consistently engage in pro-social behavior.
When donating to charity, choose organizations or methods that allow you to see the impact of your contribution, as this can boost your own happiness and sense of fulfillment.
Avoid overthinking acts of kindness or compliments; recipients typically appreciate the gesture far more than givers anticipate, leading to unexpected positive reactions.
Actively express compliments you think in your head, as they are usually well-received and make people’s day, releasing a lot of positivity that often remains unsaid.
When giving gifts, ask recipients directly what they want, as this is the most effective way to ensure they receive a desired item and maximize their happiness.
Approach charitable giving with a mindset that acknowledges potential for error, seeks to learn, and continuously improves by demanding evidence of strong impact from organizations.
When making decisions, including charitable giving, evaluate not only the monetary expected value but also psychological factors such as personal feelings, regret, and satisfaction.
Give to charitable causes you feel a strong personal connection to, as this can increase your motivation and satisfaction, even if other causes might have a higher “objective” impact.
If abstract charitable giving feels less satisfying, engage in more immediate and visible acts of generosity, such as tipping well or buying meals for friends, for a more tangible psychological reward.
Seek out role models for charitable giving, as observing others’ generosity, especially those who give despite limited means, can psychologically motivate you to increase your own giving.
Do not underestimate the power of small donations; even a few hundred dollars can make a significant difference when directed to highly effective charities.
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