How to Be a Better Person

There are times in all of our lives that we ask ourselves, "Is what I'm doing the right thing? Am I a good person?" Many would come up with a 'yes' answer for both of those questions, but there are a few simple things we can actively work on to be truly better in our day-to-day lives, and they are simple and easy to incorporate into our routines!

Try to actively listen
As simple as it seems, listening is so crucial to every relationship we will have with others, be it our spouse, our best friend, or just our coworkers. Even with a brief encounter, actively listening can create a better environment for all relationships to thrive in. When you actively listen, you are showing the other person that what they are saying is valuable, and you are also more able to correct problems that may arise. How many marriages fail due to lack of communication? When you try to listen better yourself, you will learn things that you would not have learned otherwise. These little things may be valuable down the line. If you can catch a small bit of sadness in someone's voice due to your active listening, you can inquire with them about it and perhaps allow them to open up to you, giving you an opportunity to help another human. By simply focusing more intently on what others have to say, you can become a better listener, and thus a better person.

Always treat others with kindness
This is a good rule for life in general, not just in trying to be a better person. There are many reasons to be kind. One very important reason is that sometimes the most rude and cruel people just need someone to be nice to them to change their entire worldview. I have had many experiences in my place of work where a customer will come in, sour-faced and angry, and act extremely nasty to everyone for seemingly no reason. However, when I, or one of my coworkers, takes the time to smile and ask them how their day has been going, they often brighten up and start treating us much nicer. Even though it is easy to fight back with snappy remarks to their rude comments, taking the time to be sweet shows the negative Nancy that they do not need to be defensive, and it is possible that they will then 'pay it forward' by being nice to the next nasty person they encounter. Plus, you never know if the person you originally planned on being a jerk to could be someone very important!

Put others before yourself
This may be one of the hardest suggestions to follow! As Americans, our culture teaches us that everything should be about us only, and other people are just inconveniences to us finding our happiness. However, selfishness and greed can actually make you less happy, and those who possess those qualities are often seen as awful people! Instead, try to put others before yourself, or at least consider them before making rash decisions. Do you often find your girlfriend or boyfriend mad at you because you did some activity they did not want you to do? Maybe it is because you were being selfish. Next time, think of how others would feel before you act. The more you do this, the more likely it will be that you will start to see how others are affected by your actions. When we think of others, we become more aware of the world and soon become better citizens of it.

Take time to help those who are less fortunate
One of the most rewarding activities in the world is volunteering. Not only are you helping others, but you are helping yourself! You expose yourself to a world previously unknown in your life when you help those who are homeless, abused, or simply needing someone to talk to. Try volunteering in a hospital with children and not leaving with a smile. Try giving yourself away to another person and not feeling fulfilled. It is not possible. Helping those who need help is an easy way to make yourself grow as a human and make the world a better place while you're growing.