7 Ways to Make a Positive Impact on the World

At any given point, the world can seem like a never-ending spiral of crises. From political turmoil, war, famine, economic hardships, and environmental issues, it’s easy to get frustrated and believe there’s nothing that can be done to make things better. However, there are things that ordinary people can do every day to create social good and make a positive impact on the world. Here are seven things that you can begin doing today.

1. Be Alert and Mindful

It’s easy to get lost in our own thoughts and routines, miss opportunities to do small acts of kindness, or fail to notice where help is needed. To make a positive impact, start paying attention to the world around you. Look for ways to do small things like picking up litter, giving up your seat on the bus, or holding the door open for someone. When you start to pay attention, opportunities to do good will present themselves.

2. Change How and Where You Spend Your Money

Although money isn’t everything, it has a lot of power when it comes to doing positive things. Every purchasing decision you make can make a difference. Consider starting by using platforms like Good Deed Seats or shopping at locally owned stores instead of big box stores, which can further benefit your community.

3. Show Kindness When Interacting With Disagreeable People

We all have a story that we carry with us. The customer service clerk who is being rude or the barista who brings you the wrong drink may be having a bad day. Try giving them the benefit of the doubt before reacting. A kind word or gesture could make a significant difference to a stranger.

4. Volunteer Today!

Volunteering is not only beneficial to the community, but it’s also good for your health and well-being. Rather than waiting for the holidays, look for ways to volunteer throughout the year. Local food banks or animal shelters are a great place to start. There are always people and organizations in your community that could use a helping hand.

5. Do the Charitable Things That You’ve Been Putting Off

We all have things that we’ve been meaning to do, but keep putting off. Whether it’s donating clothes, food, or money to a charity, start today. There are also other things you can do, like starting a compost pile or recycling. Putting these things off only means they won’t get done.

6. Change the Way You Consume

Consumerism has many negative impacts on the world around us. However, there are things you can do to shift the pattern. Try buying more ingredients and less pre-packaged food, spending money on experiences instead of material goods, getting things fixed instead of buying new, donating and repurposing things instead of throwing them away, and buying from environmentally friendly and fair trade companies.

7. Reach Out to a Lonely Neighbor or Family Member

In a world that’s increasingly isolated and disconnected, reaching out to a neighbor or relative can make a world of difference. Call them, invite them to lunch or bring them lunch if they can’t come out. Your presence might lift their mood and change the quality of their life.

In conclusion, making a positive impact on the world requires simple, easy-to-implement efforts that can start with small changes to our daily habits. These seven things will make a difference and create a ripple effect that can lead to further social good. Everyone has the potential to make the world a better place, and it starts with action.