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In our rushed, complicated, chaotic lives, kindness seems to run thin amongst us.
For instance, we may forget to hold the door open for just a second longer for the person behind us.
Or you may get cut off and/or honked on the road in someone’s haste to make an exit.
Or you may be too busy talking on the phone to notice someone asking for spare change, or a bite to eat.
While we may become angry or frustrated when people aren’t kind to us, we often forget how we ourselves are flawed and imperfect, as well. In reality, we are just as guilty of not showing kindness to others when we absolutely should.
Unfortunately, many people see kindness as something that is reserved specifically for those who “deserve” it. Or alternatively, something that is to be done on their watch (e.g., making an annual donation to a charity).
Thus, kindness has become even more of a scarcity today.
However, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Everyone is capable of being kind, but kindness often falls by the wayside when it’s already in such short supply. It’s up to us to remind others of what kindness truly means, and thus inspire kindness in others.
So if you’re looking for ways to build up your karma, or if you’re wanting to make kindness more of a practice in you life, or if you simply want to know how you can pay it forward and be a better person, here are 15 ideas.
15 Easy Ways to Pay It Forward
1. Give a genuine compliment to someone. Whether it’s that woman’s stylish dress, or that teenager’s new spiffy Nike’s, or even that elderly woman’s smile, if you like or appreciate something you see, say so. A genuine compliment requires the smallest amount of effort on your part, but has a 10-fold effect on the person you’re giving it to. You never know-that compliment could absolutely make their day!
2. Hold the door open for others. Whether you’re headed into work, on your way out of Starbucks, or even headed into a public restroom, take a few extra seconds to hold that door open for the next person.
3. Act out of altruism. True kindness comes from altruistic intentions. Meaning that when you bestow kindness upon others, you don’t expect anything in return, nor do you do it for any self-serving reasons. So when you do hold that door open for someone, whether it’s the CEO of your company or the janitor on your floor, make sure you’re doing it because you want to be kind, and not because you want to place yourself ahead of others.
4. React kindly. It’s all too easy to react with anger and frustration when things don’t go our way. Rather than letting emotions like these get the best of you, choose to react with kindness. Be direct, but also show empathy.
5. Support other women. The world is already competitive enough out there, so why add to it? Support other women and be each other’s advocate.
6. Smile. Humans are wired to reflect others’ emotions and behaviors, so smile! You’ll be surprised by how many smiles you receive in return.
7. Cheer someone up. We all know someone that needs to be cheered up. Maybe your pal is going through a horrendous breakup. Or maybe your mom has been lonely with all her kids having moved away from home. Or perhaps your roommate has been going through a tough quarter life crisis. Cheer them up by taking them out for coffee, or giving them a bouquet of flowers. Or better yet, just listen to them and let them know you’re there for them.
8. Donate your old clothes. Donate your old clothes to a charitable organization. Not only will you be helping someone in need, but think of all that freed up closet space you’ll have!
9. Leave a larger than normal tip. Make your waitress or waiter’s day by leaving a bigger tip than you normally would.
10. Show your appreciation. There are a lot of people out there that we take for granted on a daily basis. Think of the janitor that keeps the women’s bathroom clean at your workplace. Or the busboy that hurriedly cleaned your table so you wouldn’t have to stand for long. Or the intern at your office that helped to put on a training session. Or even your significant other that took a few minutes out of their morning to run and grab your favorite coffee. Thank them, and show you appreciate them. It doesn’t need to be long-winded. Sometimes a “Thank-you” and a smile is all it takes.
11. Write a thank-you card. Saying “Thank-you” verbally to someone often suffices for the occasion, but if you really want to pay it forward and make someone’s day, write a thank-you card. Receiving a handwritten card these days is a rarity. Not only will your recipient feel special when they open it, but the message you write will far outlast a simple, verbal “Thank-you.”
12. Give others the benefit of the doubt. It’s easy to jump to conclusions about others. Think about when you’re on the road. That a**hole cut me off! Or when someone doesn’t hold the door open after them. They’re so thoughtless! Or when someone invades your personal space. How rude! The next time you’re tempted to jump to conclusions about someone, give them the benefit of the doubt. It could be that they’re rushed and distracted, or that they’re having an awful day and struggling. You never know exactly what is going on with another person, hence why you should always extend compassion to them and their behaviors (no matter how seemingly rude they may act).
13. Swap gossip for good news. It’s all too tempting to gossip with your friends when you hear the latest, juiciest news about someone. Instead of contributing to the gossip though, try swapping the gossip talk for good news. When you exchange the negative chit chat for positive, supportive remarks, you effectively stop what could turn into a malicious rumor, and you show others respect by refusing to partake in the cattiness.
14. Check in on someone who needs a friend. Whether your neighbor has been sick, or your grandpa has been lonely, or even your colleague who’s been overloaded with work, check in on them. It’s easy to feel isolated and alone when you’re struggling, but you can make all the difference simply by asking that person if they’re ok.
15. Be kind to yourself. One of the best things you can do for both yourself and for others is to practice self-kindness. Extend compassion towards your flaws and shortcomings as you would with others. You deserve to be treated with kindness just as much as anyone else.
