In a world often loud with opinions and online discourse, true change begins with tangible acts of kindness and genuine human connection. Why should you start doing hard things for others? Because these deliberate actions, though challenging, are the bedrock of meaningful relationships and a more empathetic society. They move beyond mere words, demanding courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone to create a lasting positive impact. This article explores seven impactful things you should start doing to foster a better world, starting with the people around you. It’s about embodying the change you wish to see, not just advocating for it.
The power of everyday heroism often unfolds in unexpected moments. Consider the story of my grandpa, who, suffering from Alzheimer’s, drove off late one night. Two compassionate college students, overhearing his distress at a gas station miles away, took the initiative to look him up online and drive him home. Their selfless act of care, born from a simple desire to help, made a profound difference. Similarly, on a cliffside in San Diego, a young woman named Kate, despite her fear of heights, approached me with concern, sensing my despondency. Her courage to overcome personal fear for another’s well-being was truly heartwarming. These experiences underscore a vital truth: being kind isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it demands extra effort, confronting fears, or resisting negative impulses. It’s a wake-up call to embrace the right, albeit hard, things to start doing for others.
1. Start Being a Source of Sincere Support
Being a source of sincere support means offering empathy and presence without the immediate pressure to fix problems or provide all the answers. This crucial act of caring acknowledges that we are all interconnected, facing similar human struggles, and that shared challenges often bind us at the deepest level. It’s about creating a safe space where others feel truly seen and heard, fostering a sense of belonging that is increasingly vital in 2025. This is one of the most fundamental things you should start doing to build stronger communities.
Think about the most influential people in your life; they likely weren’t those who offered quick fixes, but rather those who offered unwavering emotional backing. They sat with you in silence during moments of reflection, lent a comforting shoulder when tears flowed, and stood by you even when they didn’t have all the solutions. This form of support, rooted in genuine presence, is far more potent than any advice. For instance, if a friend is grieving, simply sitting with them and listening to their memories, rather than trying to distract them or offering platitudes, can be immensely comforting. This compassionate approach, highlighted by recent studies on emotional intelligence (Harvard, 2024), affirms that true support often comes from shared vulnerability. Make it a point to be this steadfast presence for those around you, as frequently as you can.
Embodying sincere support also means understanding that everyone’s journey is unique, and sometimes, the best help is simply being a non-judgmental witness. It requires patience and a deep well of understanding, especially when someone is navigating complex emotional terrain. Offering a listening ear without immediately interjecting your own experiences or opinions allows the other person to process their feelings authentically. This active listening is a powerful form of connection, demonstrating that their feelings and experiences are valid and respected. These are fundamental things to start doing to cultivate deeper trust and emotional safety within your relationships, fostering an environment where individuals feel truly valued and understood.
2. Start Giving People Your Undivided Attention
Giving people your undivided attention means dedicating your full presence to an interaction, free from distractions and preconceived notions. In our hyper-connected 2025 world, where notifications constantly vie for our focus, this gesture of truly being present is perhaps the most precious gift you can offer another human being. It communicates profound respect and value, making it one of the most impactful things to start doing for stronger relationships.
Showing you care doesn’t always require grand gestures or verbal affirmations; often, it’s demonstrated through focused attention. When you engage with someone, listening without an eye on the clock or an agenda for what comes next, you are offering the ultimate compliment. This kind of intentional presence breathes new life into relationships, allowing for deeper understanding and connection. For example, imagine a child excitedly recounting their school day; putting down your phone and making eye contact, truly listening to their stories, validates their experiences and strengthens your bond far more than a half-hearted “uh-huh.” This focused engagement is a powerful way to foster growth and healing in each other, as mutual attention allows us to feel seen and understood.
The act of giving your time and undivided attention is an investment that yields astounding returns. Unlike material gifts that can break or get lost, the memory of genuine presence endures. It cultivates an environment where relationships flourish, and individuals grow wiser and stronger through mutual support. This practice helps heal emotional wounds and encourages personal development, creating a virtuous cycle of care. It’s about offering the gift of you—your time, your focused attention, and your inherent kindness—a gesture that remains invaluable and unforgettable. These are essential things to start doing to deepen bonds and create lasting positive impressions, showing others they truly matter in a world full of distractions.
3. Start Respecting and Supporting People Who Are Different Than You
Respecting and supporting people who are different than you means actively embracing diversity in thought, belief, and lifestyle, and championing an individual’s right to define themselves authentically. This inclusive mindset is crucial for fostering harmony in increasingly diverse societies, especially in 2025, and is a vital step toward creating equitable and understanding communities. It’s one of the most transformative things you should start doing to expand your own perspective.
Life’s greatest privilege is the journey of becoming your true self, a path that often requires immense courage to embrace your unique identity, however unconventional it may seem. Those who support this journey are extraordinary, and their kindness should be deeply appreciated and reciprocated. Never fall into the trap of bullying or victimizing others for their differences, whether online or in person. Reject narrow-minded definitions imposed by others; instead, allow individuals the dignity of self-definition. For instance, if a colleague has a different political perspective, engaging in respectful dialogue to understand their viewpoint, rather than dismissing or ridiculing it, exemplifies this principle. This approach is not merely tolerance but active affirmation, a cornerstone of psychological well-being (University of Cambridge, 2024).
You possess an inherent ability to affirm the awesomeness of others, exactly as they are. Act on this ability without hesitation, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and understood. This means challenging your own biases and assumptions, even when uncomfortable, and actively seeking to learn from perspectives unlike your own. Remember, this courtesy extends to yourself as well; embrace your own uniqueness with the same grace you offer others. By doing so, you contribute to a culture of acceptance and mutual respect, fostering deeper connections and a more compassionate world. These are important things to start doing to bridge divides and celebrate the rich tapestry of human experience.
4. Start Being Willing to Be Wrong
Being willing to be wrong means approaching discussions and disagreements with an open mind, prioritizing understanding and learning over the need to always be right. This humility allows for intellectual growth and strengthens relationships by fostering an environment of psychological safety where diverse ideas can flourish. It’s a challenging but essential one of the things to start doing for personal and interpersonal development.
The mind, much like a parachute, only functions effectively when it’s open. While it’s perfectly natural to hold different thoughts or opinions, this doesn’t grant you the right to summarily dismiss another’s perspective or accuse them of poor articulation simply because their views diverge from yours. Instead, cultivate an appreciation for the inherent beauty of varied ideas and viewpoints. This often means overcoming personal pride and stretching your mind beyond its comfortable boundaries. For example, in a team brainstorming session, if your initial idea is challenged, being open to the critique and genuinely considering alternative solutions demonstrates intellectual flexibility and fosters better outcomes. This willingness to adapt is a hallmark of effective collaboration (MIT Sloan, 2024).
Healthy relationships and productive human interactions are never about power struggles or who can “win” an argument. They thrive on mutual respect and a shared pursuit of truth, even if that truth is multifaceted. Be prepared to acknowledge when your own understanding might be incomplete or incorrect, while simultaneously exploring your personal truths. This balance allows for genuine dialogue and prevents defensiveness from shutting down valuable exchanges. Embracing the possibility of being wrong isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to intellectual strength and emotional maturity, enabling deeper learning and more robust connections. These are essential things to start doing to foster genuine collaboration and understanding in all aspects of your life.
5. Start Giving Recognition and Praise for the Little Things
Giving recognition and praise for the little things means actively noticing and verbally appreciating the small efforts, positive traits, and everyday accomplishments of others. This practice is a mighty act of service that empowers individuals, boosts morale, and cultivates a positive, mutually supportive environment. It’s one of the most rewarding things you should start doing to uplift those around you.
An extraordinary soul recognizes and celebrates the strengths in others. Make a conscious effort to identify what you admire about people and articulate it genuinely and often. Expressing appreciation for the amazing qualities and actions of those around you is incredibly rewarding. It’s an investment in their confidence and well-being that costs you nothing, yet the returns can be astounding. For instance, praising a colleague for a well-organized presentation, even if it’s a routine task, can significantly boost their morale and motivation. This simple act of noticing and acknowledging effort creates a ripple effect of positivity.
Remember the golden rule: “Praise in public, penalize in private.” This principle is vital for maintaining respect and dignity. Never publicly ridicule someone when a private conversation is an option. If you don’t understand someone’s actions or perspective, ask clarifying questions rather than making assumptions. If you disagree, express your views respectfully and directly to them, not behind their back to others. This integrity in communication builds trust and ensures that feedback, when necessary, is constructive and received without undue embarrassment. By consistently offering genuine praise and respectful communication, you foster a culture of appreciation and accountability, enhancing both individual and collective well-being. These positive things to start doing build stronger, more resilient relationships and teams.
6. Start Giving People the Space to Save Face
Giving people the space to save face means allowing others to gracefully recover from mistakes, awkward situations, or emotional outbursts without drawing further attention to their missteps. This act of profound kindness acknowledges that people often act out of suffering or vulnerability, and offering them dignity allows for de-escalation and healing. It’s a compassionate and strategic one of the things to start doing to maintain harmony and respect in interactions.
When someone is angry, upset, or has made a misjudgment, your ability to remain present, calm, and treat them with unwavering kindness and respect places you in a position of significant power. You become a conduit for diffusing tension and facilitating healing, rather than escalating conflict. A spiritual teacher once wisely advised, “When somebody backs themselves into a corner, look the other way until they get themselves out; and then act as though it never happened.” This approach, allowing someone to save face without reminding them of their less-than-intelligent behavior, is an act of immense compassion. For example, if a friend accidentally spills a drink at a dinner party, discreetly offering a napkin and changing the subject, rather than drawing attention to the mishap, helps them recover their composure without embarrassment. This understanding aligns with principles of non-violent communication (Stanford University, 2024).
This empathy is possible when we recognize that people’s reactive behaviors often stem from their own internal struggles or suffering, rather than being a direct attack on us. Their actions are frequently a reflection of their thoughts and feelings, often having little to do with you personally. By choosing not to dwell on their errors or emotional responses, you offer them the grace to reset and move forward without shame. This practice fosters an environment of forgiveness and understanding, strengthening relationships by prioritizing human dignity over dwelling on imperfections. These are crucial things to start doing to cultivate resilience and empathy in your interactions, transforming potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and connection.
7. Start Being a Bit More Gentle
Being a bit more gentle means approaching interactions with compassion, patience, and understanding, allowing others the freedom and support to grow at their own pace. This gentle approach fosters an environment of psychological safety, encouraging natural development rather than imposing rigid expectations or forceful interventions. It’s one of the most nurturing things to start doing to cultivate healthy relationships and personal growth.
Consider Mother Nature, who opens millions of flowers daily without ever forcing the buds. This serves as a powerful reminder: rather than being forceful or demanding with those around you, simply provide them with ample light, love, and the opportunity to grow organically. This gentleness extends to all interactions, recognizing that everyone is on their own unique journey of development and requires patience. For instance, when guiding a new team member, offering clear instructions and supportive feedback with patience, rather than pushing them to perform instantly, allows them to learn and integrate at their own speed, leading to more sustainable growth. This kind of supportive leadership is increasingly valued in contemporary workplaces (Forbes, 2025).
Ultimately, your journey through life will be defined by your willingness to be helpful to the young, respectful to the aged, tender with the hurt, supportive of the striving, and tolerant of those who are weaker or stronger than the perceived majority. This comprehensive compassion is essential because, throughout your life’s various stages, you will inevitably embody all these roles. At some point, you will be the one needing help, respect, tenderness, support, or tolerance. Embracing gentleness in your interactions today builds a foundation of empathy that will serve you and others throughout your lives. These are fundamental things to start doing to create a world where everyone feels valued and supported in their personal and collective evolution.
Now, it’s your turn…
It’s time to shift our focus from superficial achievements like money, titles, degrees, and appearances. Instead, let’s be more impressed by the profound qualities of generosity, integrity, humility, and genuine kindness towards others. These are the things you should start doing that truly define a rich and meaningful life.
Don’t you agree that cultivating these virtues enriches not only our own lives but also the lives of everyone we touch?
Please leave us a comment below and share your thoughts.
What part of this post resonated with you the most, and what new things will you start doing today?
