Actively do nice things for other people, whether with huge acts or small gestures, because the science shows it provides a significant happiness boost, fosters social connection, and promotes a sense of purpose and meaning.
If you are uncertain about whether someone needs help, overcome this by directly asking, “I’ve noticed that you’re struggling or you look hurt. Is there anything I can do to help you?” This reduces uncertainty and encourages helping.
Actively communicate and demonstrate that kindness is the norm, is expected behavior, and is “cool” to reduce uncertainty and encourage more helping behavior throughout society.
Actively look for and take daily opportunities to be an active and caring bystander, such as checking on a friend, donating a few dollars, listening to someone grieving, or checking on a fellow passenger.
Step in as a bystander when you witness a peer being bullied, as this intervention is crucial to prevent harm and support the victim.
Pledge to perform one random act of kindness every day for 21 days to establish kindness as a habit and make helping behavior more widespread.
Share and be reminded of stories of kindness and successful bystander intervention, as this inspires more positive actions, fosters hope, and cultivates an urge to be kinder.
Cultivate a personal philosophy of stepping up and helping when it’s your time, rather than passively standing by, to ensure people in need receive assistance.
Develop a natural instinct to question deeply and get to the bottom of things, especially when faced with discrepancies, to uncover the truth and challenge prevailing narratives.