The holidays are over, but ’tis the season once more — for New Year’s resolutions. For many, it’s time to make promises about eating healthier, managing finances better, learning a new language, or decluttering those closets. But, instead of internalizing all of that energy for self-improvement, why not harness some of it to help make the world a better place?
So here’s an idea: start your year off right by committing to a few acts of kindness over the next couple of weeks. Your actions don’t have to be big or life-changing, and they don’t have to take up very much time. They should simply come from a good place. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Show gratitude. Make a mental note to express gratitude, even for the little things. Send a handwritten thank you note to someone whose work might normally go underappreciated. It could be the delivery person who brought all of those express packages to your door over the holidays, or your building’s maintenance team. A handwritten note takes very little time, but it could mean the world to the person who receives it.
2. Make a meaningful connection. This one seems basic, but we often speak to others in a rush, without intention, thinking about the next thing we want to say. Take the time to find out how a friend is really doing, beyond “Great! You?” Ask your co-worker about their young kids. Take an interest in someone else, ask about them, and really listen.
3. Offer mentorship. If you’re in a senior position at your workplace, consider offering mentorship and advice to someone just starting out. If you know an ambitious young person in your department, invite them out for a coffee to ask them about their goals. For you, it’s just a quick coffee meeting, but for them, your guidance could make a big impact on their career. Take your mentorship outside the office. After all, everyone has skills to share. For young people, you could consider a kind of reverse-mentorship with an elderly neighbor or relative by offering support with their computer or smartphone.
4. Volunteer your time beyond December. Local charities often get more than enough volunteers over the holidays but could use an extra hand in January when volunteering is less popular. Contact your neighborhood food bank or soup kitchen to see if you can help out for a few hours this month. Better yet, if your time is more flexible, let them tell you when they have the most need for additional help.
5. Donate what you don’t need. Check your closets for gently used items that you can donate to a great cause. Your old blankets and towels are always in demand at your local animal shelter, and community homelessness organizations certainly appreciate warm items like coats, mittens and scarves. The forgotten articles you have stored away could make a difference for those in need this winter. Plus, cleaning out your closets is a great way to get started on that organization resolution.
6. Volunteer your skills. Do you have a professional skill that’s in high demand? Offer it to a local charity as an in-kind donation. Nonprofits love volunteers to serve meals or sort donations, but they could also use help from professionals. If you’re a graphic designer, a lawyer, an accountant or have another useful skill to offer, consider sharing a few hours of your time with a group that’s doing good in your community.
Each of these acts might not seem like much, but if there’s anything we’ve learned about doing good, it’s that the little things add up. This year, we encourage you to commit to a few kind actions. You may be surprised by the impact your small gestures create on the lives of others — and the effect they have on your own life, too.
‌
‌
‌
‌