When you feel a charitable impulse or strong motivation to do good, take action right away and don’t delay, as these positive feelings and motivation will decay faster than you realize.
A great way to boost your own happiness and treat yourself is to perform a small act of good for somebody else.
Engage in acts of giving and kindness even if you never fully understand the profound and long-lasting impact your actions may have on others.
Commit to giving money without overthinking how it will be spent, trusting that recipients have good intentions, which reduces negative mistrust and cognitive load.
Shake off the idea that people needing a handout lack judgment or cannot be trusted with it, as many are in difficult situations through no fault of their own.
Make a habit of carrying small bills (e.g., $10) to automatically give to people who ask for money, reducing cognitive load and fostering an open mindset.
Adopt the philosophy that truly impactful giving should “hurt a little bit,” meaning if it doesn’t feel like a slight sacrifice, you might not be giving enough.
By committing to spontaneous giving, you can lower your defenses against strangers and move through the world in a more open and positive way.
Stand up for and advocate for others, especially those being bullied or struggling, as your support can be transformative and change their entire mentality.
Avoid the “kill them with kindness” strategy when dealing with bullies, as it is often ineffective; instead, consider direct advocacy or standing your ground.
Actively observe and appreciate others’ extraordinary acts of kindness, courage, or self-sacrifice to experience “moral elevation,” which can change your brain and expand your imagination about your own capabilities.
Cultivate the habit of being a keen observer of kindness in everyday life, noticing small acts of generosity or positive interactions around you.
Reclaim your agency and find moments of happiness and joy by actively witnessing beautiful acts of human kindness every day, especially during dark or difficult times.
Mentor younger individuals and offer positive encouragement, as even small words can have a profound, long-lasting impact and inspire them to pursue their goals.
Engage in interactions that are positive and encouraging, as you may not realize the incredibly long-standing ripple effects and positive impact you can have on others’ lives.
When explaining complex topics, especially in STEM, approach people on their level without talking down to them, as this fosters understanding and engagement.
Be present in the moment and with your environment, as this practice can be a profound source of peace and connection.
When an unexpected gift or opportunity arises, even if you initially think you can’t accommodate it, trust that you might need it and find a way to make it work.
If you can’t act immediately on a charitable impulse, use tools like virtual assistants to set calendar alerts or reminders for a specific time later when you can follow through.
Ask a friend, partner, or roommate to hold you accountable for your intention to give by having them check in with you later, which also fosters social connection.
If you are unable to donate, consider sharing charitable campaigns with your friends and colleagues using relevant hashtags to raise awareness and fight poverty.
Take a moment to remember the positive impact of your small donations on others, as this reflection can make you feel amazing, possibly more so than receiving material gifts.
Donate to GiveDirectly via givedirectly.org/happinesslab to help fight extreme poverty and lift villages out of it, which also makes you feel good.