There is much need for help all around us. How can you make someone’s life better and contribute a difference that matters? The answer is more straightforward than we sometimes think. Do something!
Yes, we can’t solve all the world’s problems independently and overnight. But we can help. Even if it is something tiny, it adds up.
We often underestimate the power of doing small things. As long as we do them fairly often, they make a difference.
Does Helping Have To Be A Colossal Effort?
The notion that helping has to be a colossal effort keeps many people from stepping up to help. What often happens is that someone will step up a little. Then they are asked to step up more. Before long, they are helping in a big way.
In the meantime, others are watching. They see that helping a little often leads to helping a lot. They don’t feel they have the time for that. So, they keep a low profile and don’t help.
What if we changed that idea? What if we made helping a little more commonplace? That way, fewer people would have to do massive work. And everyone could contribute to making someone’s life a little better.
Here are some ideas:
- Ask yourself: How can I make someone’s life a little better today?
- Let’s start simple: Smile at someone. Say hello.
- Cook someone a meal, especially if they are sick or are having a hard time.
- Give someone a call and ask how they are doing.
- Join a service club or a non-profit and commit to helping at least a little on a reasonably consistent basis.
- Please clean up after yourself, so others don’t have to do it for you. For example, people often leave their water bottles lying around in our martial arts studio. It would be simple enough to keep track of your bottle and make sure you take it with you after class.
- See how you can offload a leader – Ask, “How can I help?”
- Be reliable and do your part. – How often do leaders have to chase after someone to make sure things go as they are supposed to?
- Pay your club dues on time.
- Use the systems that are in place. For example, in Toastmasters (a club for getting better at public speaking and leadership): Every meeting, we assign a role to several people. They need to confirm that role in a system called “Easy-speak.” It takes a minute to do so. But it takes the Toastmaster much more time to chase after people who do not confirm their role on time.
- Do what you say you will – and if you can’t, let the right person know as soon as you can. If possible, offer a remedy.
An Interesting Realization ?!
It is “funny.” I started writing this nugget with the idea that we can help a little by doing something extra, even if it is small. It is not hard to make someone’s life a little better. As I wrote it, I realized that often we could make someone’s life better just by doing what we said we would do or being courteous and thoughtful (even when we are busy).
Maybe that point isn’t so brilliant. However, the effect of applying this point on a consistent basis indeed does have a brilliant impact.
I’m Curious
What are your experiences and thoughts on this subject?
Live brilliantly!
Dr. Stephie
P.S.: I appreciate you commenting and sharing this with others. Thank you!
