An important part of our growth and motivation as people lies in
contributing to the greater good, being part of something greater
than ourselves. There is plenty of room for simple acts that create
small measures of happiness for you and in the lives of those
around you.
Here are ten little gestures, all of them easily within our grasp,
that can spread goodwill in our own communities, as well as
increase our own sense of mindfulness about the people around us
and our relationship to them.
Tip generously: When you have great service in a restaurant, leave
a tip greater than the usual 15% to 20%. Leaving a larger than
usual tip for great service not only puts a little extra money in
your servers’ pocket, it tells them that they’re appreciated, a
message that often slips our minds in our demanding, service-now
society.
Compliment someone: Tell someone how much you like the job they’re
doing, their outfit or new haircut, whatever. Be honest and
sincere. Don’t expect anything in return, just let someone know
that something they’re doing is great and move on.
Be totally open with someone: Let someone know exactly how you feel
about something on your mind. We often keep too much to ourselves;
letting someone into your thoughts can be a great way to show your
trust and appreciation of them.
Give someone a book you’ve read: Making a gift of something you’ve
read and enjoyed is more than just a nice gesture, it’s a way of
showing someone that a) you think of them, b) you understand them,
and c) you want to share something with them. The moment doesn’t
end when they take the book – once they’ve read it, you can talk
about your reactions together.
Make something for someone: Bake an extra batch of cookies, draw a
picture, decorate an extra Christmas ornament, and give it to
someone for no good reason. Like giving someone a book, it tells
them that you were thinking about them and wanted to do something
nice for them, and that it’s something you made adds a nice touch.
Give without expectations – whether they return the favor or not,
whether they like it or not, whether they’re nice to you or not,
these are all irrelevant.
Send a letter, email, tweet, or text message out of the blue: Email
someone you haven’t spoken with for a while, or text someone you
see every day just to be nice. Maybe they’ll respond, maybe not –
it’s beside the point. They just need to know that they’re
important to you.
Commend an employee to their manager: It’s one thing to tip or
compliment someone for their service, it’s another to contact their
manager and tell them what a great job they’ve done. If you don’t
have time at the time of service, note the employees name and call,
email, or write a letter later.
Teach someone how to do something: Share your skill or talent with
someone by showing them how to do something. Not so they won’t
bother you with it, but so they can move a little bit towards
improved mastery of the world around them. Have patience and
respect for the person you’re helping – you’re giving them a gift,
not compensating for some lack in their character.
Let someone shine: Put a spotlight on someone else’s talents by
letting them take over a presentation, deferring to their wisdom,
asking them advice, or otherwise flex their “talent muscles”.
Especially if they are junior to you, giving them a chance to strut
their stuff shows that you trust them and appreciate them, as well
as allowing them to get the attention they deserve (and which might
often be obscured by your own shadow).
Connect like minds: Introduce two friends or colleagues who you
feel have something to gain from each other. You’ll be letting them
know you value them – and maybe creating a partnership that will
make everyone better off.
You’ve probably heard the saying “Practice random acts of
kindness”, and that’s basically what I’m talking about here.
Anything that shows people you care about them has the potential to
make the world, or your small corner of it, a better place.
Have a great day!
Dr. Justin Trosclair
Source: Lifehack.org