According to a recent study by researchers at Oxford University, helping others and performing good deeds helps to make us happier.

They examined the results of 21 studies involving more than 2500 people that looked at the link between kindness and happiness. They revealed that helping others has a modest effect on happiness, around one point on a scale of one to ten.

Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. A quick review of last week’s news stories made me think that the world could do with a little more kindness at the present time. The world seems to be at an important point in its history, there seems to be much division and conflict on show presently.

For example, the election of President Trump seems to have divided opinion in the USA and sparked mass demonstrations on his inauguration day. There are still many opposed here in the UK to the country leaving the European Union. The defeated president of Gambia refused to leave office. The assembly in Northern Ireland had to be disbanded due to the two main political parties falling out and threatening the relative peace in the country.

Whilst contemplating the need for more kindness in the world, I heard a nice record by Annie Lennox and Al Green called “Put a little love in your heart.” Some of the lyrics seem appropriate at the moment “I hope when you decide, kindness will be your guide, put a little love in your heart and the world will be a better place.”

We can become advocates for a kinder, more considerate and compassionate world.

Here are a few thoughts I had about what we can all do to help make the world a better place. We can:

  • Be kinder to ourselves. Kindness starts with us and we can ensure our self talk is encouraging and positive. This can involve being less self-critical and judgemental.
  • Choose to be kinder towards others and consciously look to avoid bad mouthing and gossiping about other people.
  • Perform random acts of kindness. It doesn’t have to cost money and can be a simple gesture that demonstrates thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit.
  • Commit to having kind thoughts about others and look for the best in people and their good qualities. Believe that everyone is doing their best on what they have and know.
  • Make more effort to express authentic appreciation and gratitude for the efforts and contributions of others.
  • Pay more compliments about people’s talents and qualities. We can notice the acts of kindness of other people rather than their shortcomings.
  • Be advocates for greater unity, collaboration and co-operation amongst teams and not engage in conflict.
  • Encourage people to express their innate talents, fulfil their potential and be the best they can be.
  • Remember in business it’s possible for us to be kind, work collaboratively with others and be successful and profitable.

This week, why not take a few moments out to reflect and consider what you can do to be kinder and promote greater kindness in the world. Are there other people that you can encourage to do this too?

This week’s quotation:

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk