Small (but impactful) ways of making a difference
As we move towards the end of another year, we’re already starting to see the annual airing of different dictionary publishers’ ‘Word Of The Year’ rundowns. For the first time ever, the Oxford English dictionary has narrowed its selection down to a three-term shortlist to be decided on by popular vote, with ‘aura farming’, ‘biohack’ and ‘ragebait’ topping the list of expressions that allegedly best captured the twelve months behind us.
With at least two of the above three expressions being very reflective of the performative and increasingly polarised nature of online interaction, it seems useful to take some time to reflect on how we interact with each other in the real world and to think about how our intentions and behaviour impact on other people.
In many ways, it feels like we have never lived in such divided times, and the nature of online interaction is such that we are increasingly encouraged to gravitate towards people who share our opinions while publicly distancing ourselves from people we disagree with. Social media and online culture give everyone a platform for voicing an opinion but while this has had a positive impact in the sense of bringing popular attention to causes and raising awareness of adverse events happening elsewhere in the world, it’s sometimes easy to feel that we are powerless to effect meaningful change in the real world.
In this month’s mindfulness and wellbeing article we’ll be thinking about how we can try to make a small difference to the world and people around us in both our actions and our intentions. Read on for a few of our ideas, and then feel free to share your own in the comments.
Tip number one: Give money where possible, ideally on a regular basis
A study published in the Journal of Sociological Science in early 2014 found that the majority of people who ‘like’ a Facebook page for a cause don’t follow up that gesture with a donation. It’s easy to underestimate the power of donating money but giving even a small amount can help by providing practical assistance to the experts to carry out the work that they specialise in. If you can, then giving money on a regular basis by setting up a direct debit is even better because this allows charities and other organisations to plan their future activities. Even the equivalent of the price of a cup of coffee per month can help.
Tip number two: Read as widely as possible and try to expose yourself to a range of perspectives
It’s important to educate ourselves as much as possible, not just in the narrow sense of understanding social issues but in the wider sense of exposing ourselves to a range of different opinions and thereby gaining a more nuanced understanding of the world. Internet culture often encourages narrow, tribal thinking which is the antithesis of what will help to solve the problems of the world. Read as much as you can, whether fiction or non-fiction, and try to get your information from a range of different perspectives, including from other countries and in other languages if possible.
Tip number three: Stay true to your own values but be open to other opinions
It often feels like these days we are told what to believe and there is only one acceptable viewpoint on many issues. But most situations in life are nuanced. It’s okay to have a contrary opinion if it’s based on educated grounds and in line with your own values. It’s also okay to change your point of view if you receive new information or get a different perspective from talking to other people. Support what is meaningful to you personally and try to be receptive to other people’s opinions while still staying true to your own values.
Tip number four: Try to acknowledge other people
These days many of us tend to live very atomised lives while also spending a lot of time in artificial environments where we are unnaturally close to strangers, such as apartment buildings, open-plan offices, and crowded public transport. In these types of scenarios it can be easy to switch off and blank out other people but any small gesture of recognition that feels appropriate for the situation, even just a smile or a nod, can help other people to feel seen.
Tip number five: Be receptive to the needs of others
Sometimes people around us can be suffering and we might not even be aware of it, particularly if we’re immersed in our own worries or struggle to read cues. But looking out for other people in our immediate vicinity can be very helpful. Sometimes we can make more of a difference than we think just by being a reliable presence for people.
Tip number six: Try to return good deeds or pay them forwards
Good deeds tend to build on themselves in that we all tend to feel more generous and accommodating when we have been on the receiving end of favours from other people. If somebody does something nice for you, try to return the gesture in kind whenever you have the opportunity. In situations where there is no obvious way of returning the favour then try to pay the goodwill forwards by helping a different person.
Tip number seven: Support small businesses and walk short distances
Supporting small businesses, particularly those based in your local area, encourages innovation and helps to keep resources within your local area. On that same note, if you are able to then walking short distances rather than driving can help the environment while also giving your own physical health a boost. According to The Guardian, about half of car journeys are under two miles yet shorter journeys use fuel inefficiently due to the engine not having the time to warm up properly. Walking even occasional short distances will therefore make a practical distance by reducing emissions and might help you feel more mindful and appreciative of your local area too.
Tip number eight: Look out for people who are younger than you
Always look out for younger friends, family members and colleagues. People who are young now are in many ways facing a different set of challenges than people from previous generations, without necessarily having the life experience or sense of perspective that helps us to navigate challenges as we get older. Being a reassuring presence to younger people is always important.
Tip number nine: Don’t forget to smile
Lastly, remember to smile when appropriate, as long as you’re in a safe situation, since this will help to lift your own mood while creating a contagion effect, since most of us reflexively return smiles. Smiling at someone can also help them to feel acknowledged and lend something of a human touch to most situations. Even if you don’t necessarily feel like smiling, you’ll probably feel better for doing so, and so will the people around you.
Whatever you believe in and however you support it, we wish you all the best of luck in your efforts.
Stay mindful, and see you again for next month’s updates!
Sources
Be First Class
April 2017
5 ways we can make a positive difference in the world
https://www.be-first-class.com/5-ways-we-can-make-a-positive-difference-in-the-world
DevelopmentEducation.ie | Ciara Regan
January 2015
Social Media ‘Clicktivism’ Creates More Apathy Than Empathy
https://developmenteducation.ie/feature/social-media-clicktivism-creates-more-apathy-than-empathy
Guardian
100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying
January 2022
Oxford University Press
Word Of The Year 2025
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