It’s always a good feeling to help other people. It creates a sense of purpose and satisfaction when you can help another person in need. Sometimes, you can make a difference in someone else’s life without even knowing it, like calling them to say hello, asking how they’re doing, or showing up to their house with a home-cooked meal.
Although the small things never go unnoticed and are undoubtedly appreciated, if you want to make a big difference in someone’s life, that will take a little bit of effort.
Here’s a list of some things that tend to make a significant difference for others.
1. Help without asking
When you see someone struggling, go in and help them without asking. For example, if you see someone drop their belongings, struggling to carry something, or having a hard time getting a large item into their car by themselves. These seem like small things, but the fact that someone offers their help is often enough to really make someone’s day.
This is something community-oriented police officers do extremely well. They are always going out of their way to help people in need. For example, when this officer was called on a homeless man taking a shower at a car wash, instead of arresting him or telling him to leave, he helped him get clean. That’s the positive side of law enforcement that the National Police Association (NPA) works hard to highlight for the public.
If you feel like you need permission to help someone with small things, that may be a conclusion you formed based on past experiences and doesn’t necessarily apply to everyone. Sometimes when people need help, they aren’t going to ask. Offer your help and if someone doesn’t want it, they’ll tell you.
2. Ask someone how you can support them
People don’t necessarily need support in the same way, so it’s beneficial to ask people what you can do to help. Sometimes people need something specific and unless you ask what they need, you won’t know.
Offering help that someone doesn’t need will be appreciated as a kind gesture, but will be rejected. That doesn’t mean the person doesn’t need help. They might actually be afraid to ask for the type of assistance they need most. Many people feel shy or embarrassed to ask for help in the first place, so simply asking someone, “How can I support you?” is often the best way to be a friend.
3. Be a good listener
Listening is the most critical skill involved in supporting another person. Many people never learn this skill. Although it may seem like listening is easy, it’s actually not. There is a difference between hearing what someone says and actively listening.
Most of the time, when people are involved in a conversation, they’re either talking or waiting to talk and there is no true listening taking place. When the other person is sharing, they’re in their head thinking about what they’re going to say next. Often, they’re judging what’s being said, disagreeing with it, and forming their next argument.
True listening is when you allow the other person to speak freely and instead of being in your head, you get into their world with all your focus on them with the intention of understanding everything they’re trying to get across. For some people, this act of listening alone is enough to make a massive difference in their life. Since most people are rarely heard by others, listening can make a profound impact on someone who needs a listening ear.
4. Buy something for someone who needs it
If you know someone who needs something, but can’t afford it, buy it for them. If it’s within your own budget, of course. For example, maybe you know a parent struggling to get diapers for their baby or a tablet for their kid to use in school. If you can afford to help them out with a small purchase, it will really brighten their day.
It’s easy to support others
Helping other people is easy when you know what they need. Next time you see someone struggling or a friend tells you they’re not doing well, ask how you can help. They might just need a friend to listen or a little more support if they’re going through a rough time.
Either way, it’s easy to help when you’re a good listener and want to provide your support.