These desires are good and reflect a natural wish to contribute to the society you see around you. Wanting to give back to society is a form of gratitude.
However, I think caution is advised—our world prioritizes big, flashy, and bold programs of change. It’s easy to daydream about contributing to some grand project that lifts millions of people out of poverty or eradicates a horrible disease, but the vast majority of us live much more ordinary lives. If we set our bar too high, we risk always feeling that we haven’t done enough—or worse, becoming so overwhelmed that we never get started.
6 Ways to Give Back
Although you will want to tailor this list to your personal ideals, it will get your thought process rolling.1. Practice Gratitude for the Small Things
Pay attention to the vital but rarely noted things that people do, and thank them. You might thank your spouse for greeting you with a smile or your child for picking up a piece of trash on his way through a room. People love recognition because we want to feel that we are part of a team. You have the power to give this gift with your words.2. Smile at the People Around You
It might seem silly to think that smiling can make you a force for good in the world, but I firmly believe that it is. The world feels like a safer, more inviting place when it’s filled with friendly people who are quick to smile at friends and strangers alike. Feeling safe and secure is one of our most basic human needs, and by simply smiling, we can contribute to a kind of atmosphere in the places where we live and work.3. Truly Listen When Others Speak
In an age of countless digital distractions, it has become rare to find someone who deeply listens to others. In an age when social media prompts us to say what’s on our minds, is anyone interested in understanding what others think and feel? This prevalent prompt carries over into in-person life.4. Encourage Others to Spur Their Motivation
A well-timed piece of encouragement is one of the best gifts to give and receive. In our society, we love to read self-help books and praise exceptional talents, but the most rewarding encouragement can be the support of those around us—both physically and emotionally. Start by looking for people doing hard things and recognizing their effort. Tell them that you admire their tenacity and encourage them to keep their eyes on the prize.5. Stay in Touch With People You Love
I recently spent the night at an old friend’s house, just catching up until the early hours of the morning. We met in the second grade and have stayed in touch ever since. It hasn’t always been easy, as we live nearly two hours apart and have busy lives with families to care for. But the effort we have both made has been entirely worth it. We now enjoy the fruits of a lifelong friendship and the gift of someone who knows the other across time.6. Be a Positive Example
It would be great if everyone held the same standards and values, but that’s not the reality we experience in a multicultural society. You can complain about others’ standards or lack thereof and let it frustrate you, or you can live out your values for all the world to see. Let your life be a billboard for the kind of world you want to live in. If we would hold ourselves to our own highest standards, we would be competing to outdo each other in goodness, rather than trying to force others to do things our way.We can all be a positive force in the world by simply taking small actions each day. Individually, small contributions may not feel impressive, but collectively, we are playing our part in making this world a better place in which to live and strengthening the values that we all hold so dear.
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