How You Can Make the World Better —Small Things That Make a Difference
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
― Aesop
It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done, or how old you are, your existence changes the world around you. If you ever saw movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “13 Going on 30”, “Donnie Darko”, or other similar movies, you may have thought about how the world would be different without you. Would your friend from 8th grade still be alive? Would your kids exist? Would your younger brother have been alone in the hospital?
Consider this: Would the world be better or worse without you?
When people say “make a difference” in the world, they usually mean doing something that is important, that helps people or makes the world a better place. Are you living in a way that makes the world a better place?
This October 22nd is International “Make a Difference Day”. Naming a day after the idea of making a difference is great but wouldn’t it be better if we dedicated every day to making a difference?
Even if the world hasn’t been good to you, you can make things better by being good to the world. Malcolm Gladwell wrote in his book, “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference,” that small things can spread like viruses. A small act of good or not good, can spread and change the world for better or worse. This is supported by numerous examples.
So how can you do good? Where do you start? How does one person begin to make an impact on others? Here, I’ll share a few ways you can do “small things” that will help others, and you, live in a better world.
Share a Good Attitude
If you want to make a difference in the world, having a good attitude is a great place to start. Attitudes are felt by others and highly contagious. That’s why being positive and having a good attitude can have a profound impact on those around us.
Admittedly, it can be hard to have a good attitude, especially when we’re just not feeling it. For some of us, it takes a little extra work because it’s not our “default”. Here are some things that you can do to help you feel positive:
Don’t find things to complain or be angry about…let that ish go!
Write in a journal or blog to share positive vibes
Remember the things you can be thankful for
Talk to a counselor or therapist who can help you process things
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Start a habit that helps your community
Clean up trash in your neighborhood
Recycle instead of throwing things away
Donate blood
Deliver meals to people who having a difficult time
Run a toy, clothes or food drive
Feed someone
[Insert something that makes sense to you here]
“Always have a willing hand to help someone, you might be the only one that does.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
“How would your life be different if…You stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter? Let today be the day…You look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey.”
Build Positive Connections
Notice others
Spend meaningful time with people you care about
Acknowledging others that do good
Speak positive of others
Be a listener - especially to those who are having a difficult time
Assume the best of others
Be a good neighbor
“How would your life be different if…You stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter? Let today be the day…You look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey.”
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
Ironically, the more that you seek to help others in small ways, the happier you will feel inside. This is an amazing reward and the #1 reason why we should “Make a Difference” EVERY day.
Sources
10 Movies Like It's a Wonderful Life
15 Ways to Make a Difference in the World in 2022
How Can One Person Make a Difference in the World (With Examples)
