11 Ways to Help People and Make a Difference in The World

Want to truly help people and make a difference in someone’s life? From quick things you can do right now to helpful actions you can take at work and in life, here are some great tips!

You don’t need to be a superhero to change someone’s day—or even their life. Helping others can be as simple as a quick gesture, a kind word, or a thoughtful connection.

Let’s explore some practical, easy ways to help people, from micro-moments that take seconds to meaningful actions that can transform relationships and communities!

Ready to Help Right Now? Start with These Micro-Moments

You don’t need to donate a kidney or run a marathon for charity to make a real difference. In fact, some of the most powerful, easy ways to help someone are so small and fast, they fit into the spare seconds of your day.

Do the Five-Second Tidy

I have a confession: I get a weirdly satisfying feeling when I push a stray shopping cart back into the corral. This tiny act is a real-world example of a psychological concept sometimes called “broken windows theory” in reverse. The original theory suggested that small, visible signs of disorder (like broken windows) can send a signal that no one cares, encouraging more chaos.

When you perform a “Five-Second Tidy,” you flip that script. By taking a moment to push in your chair at a coffee shop or pick up a piece of paper near a trash can, you send a powerful, non-verbal cue to everyone else that says, “Someone cares here.”

Your next mission, should you choose to accept it:

Pushing in your chair at the food court (and maybe the one next to it).
Placing the divider bar on the checkout conveyor for the person behind you.
Returning a single, lonely dumbbell to its rack at the gym.
Picking up that one rogue straw wrapper that just missed the trash can.
Facing all the ketchup bottles in the same direction.
Straightening that stack of magazines.
Bravely replacing the empty toilet paper roll at work.

Text a Positive Memory (No Reply Needed)

My phone buzzes and my stomach does a little flip—is it another request, another question, another to-do item? This is why a text that asks for nothing in return can feel like such a profound gift. In fact, research (source) shows that writing gratitude letters can make both the receiver and sender happier!

Think of this as the 15-second version of that powerful habit. By adding a simple “no reply needed,” you remove all social pressure, transforming your message from a potential chore into a pure, delightful surprise that might just be the kindest thing they receive all day.

Here are a few examples of what to text:

Hey! Just saw a trailer that made me think of us dying of laughter at that terrible superhero movie. Hope you’re having a good week! (No need to reply).
Randomly thinking about the amazing pizza we had at that place in the North End. That was such a fun night. Hope you’re well! No need to text back if you don’t want to.
Was just listening to that 90s rock playlist and it took me right back to our college road trip. Good times! Thinking of you!
This is so random, but I just remembered that time we got caught in the rain without an umbrella and had to run for it. Made me smile. Hope you’re doing great! (No reply necessary).

Hold the Door, Every Single Time

Are they too close? Too far? If I hold it, will they feel pressured to do that weird little jog-walk? This tiny, surprisingly stressful moment is a perfect example of what psychologists call decision fatigue.

By making a simple, non-negotiable rule for yourself—Always hold the door—you completely eliminate one of those draining decisions. It’s a win-win for both yourself and others!

But here’s the key: don’t always expect someone to say “thank you” or show appreciation. Much of the time, many people are stuck in their own heads and might not even notice or they might be in a bad mood.

And that’s okay—if you’re doing your part in the world, you’re still making a difference regardless of what other people might be going through!

Give the “Green Light” Nod

I used to think the best way to show I was listening was to jump in with my own story—“Oh my god, the same thing happened to me!” What I’ve learned from the science of conversation, however, is that the most powerful listening tools are often completely silent.

The “Green Light” Nod is the king of silent cues. When someone is talking, especially if they seem hesitant or are trying to work through a thought, their brain is subconsciously scanning your face for signs of judgment or impatience.

A slow, deliberate nod doesn’t just say, “I hear you.” It says, “You have the floor, keep going.” It’s a non-verbal permission slip for them to continue without fear of being interrupted, and it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to make someone truly feel heard.

And if you’re looking for even better ways to captivate people, try this resource:

Put Your Shopping Cart All the Way Back

The rain has started, the cart corral seems miles away, and no one is watching. This is it—the ultimate, low-stakes test of your character, famously known as “The Shopping Cart Theory.”

This popular internet thought experiment argues that the cart is the perfect litmus test for a person’s capacity to self-govern. Returning it is an easy task, yet there’s no reward for doing it and no punishment for not. Therefore, the simple act becomes a pure reflection of your willingness to do what is right when no one is looking.

When you take those extra steps, you’re performing a tiny act of civic grace. You’re saving the next person from getting their car door dinged and making the job of the cart-collecting employee just a little bit easier.

How to Help Someone Feel Valued at Work & Relationships

Ready to dive in more? Check out these tips that can boost you into super-helper status:

Champion Someone in a Meeting

Okay, we’ve all been in that meeting. A quiet colleague makes a brilliant point, but the conversation goes on right past them like it never happened. Or worse, someone else repeats their idea five minutes later and gets all the credit.

Don’t let that happen—be a champion instead! Here are a few practical, word-for-word scripts you can run.

Rewind: Politely stop the momentum and say:
- “Hang on, could we just go back to what Sarah said a minute ago? I think that was a really important point and I don’t want to lose it.”
Credit: Use this when someone starts repeating an idea without giving credit.
- “That’s a great point, James, and it builds perfectly on what Maria was saying earlier about our customer feedback.”
Follow-Up: This is the best way to give the floor back to the original speaker and empower them.
- “Chen, I’m really interested in your idea about the new onboarding process. Could you walk us through how you see that working?”

Be a Human Search Engine

You know that feeling when a friend mentions a problem—“Ugh, I wish I knew someone who was good at designing logos”—and a lightbulb goes off in your head? You do know someone!

But how do you connect them? Here’s a simple, three-step move that makes you look like a networking genius:

Check with the Helper First (Private Message 1): Before you connect anyone, send a private message to the person you want to ask for help. This respects their time and gives them an easy “out.”
Check with the Person in Need (Private Message 2): Once you get the green light, confirm with the person who needs help.
Make the Connection (Group Email/Text): Now you can introduce them with confidence, knowing both parties are eager to connect.

Here’s what that looks like in action. Let’s say your friend Maya needs a logo and your friend David is a designer.

Step 1: Text to David (The Helper):
- “Hey David! Quick question—my friend Maya is looking for a freelance designer for a logo. Would you be open to me introducing you two via email? No worries at all if you’re swamped!”
Step 2: Text to Maya (The Person in Need):
- “Hey Maya! Great news—my designer friend David said he’d be happy to connect about your logo project. Are you good if I email you both to introduce you?”
Step 3: The Perfect Intro Email:
- Subject: Intro: Maya meets David!
- Body: “Maya, meet David! David is the incredibly talented designer I was telling you about. David, meet Maya! She’s working on a cool new project and needs a logo. I’ll let you two take it from here. You’re both awesome!”

Outsource Your Birthday

Let’s be honest, what’s the most awkward part of birthdays once you’re an adult? The gifts. Your friends stress about what to get you, and you end up with another novelty mug you’ll never use.

Research (source) even found that people experience significantly more happiness when spending money on others than on themselves. It’s a win-win!

Here’s how to do it:

Pick a Cause You Genuinely Love: Choose a specific charity—a local animal shelter, a community arts program, a conservation project—that you can speak about with real passion. Your enthusiasm is what gets people excited to join in.
Make It Easy: Use platforms like GoFundMe, your own spreadsheet, or the charity’s own donation page. The fewer clicks it takes for someone to donate, the more likely they are to follow through.
Craft the Perfect “Ask”: Your invitation sets the tone. Be enthusiastic, grateful, and make it feel completely optional.

Here’s a template you can steal for your next birthday invite:

“Hey everyone! For my birthday this year, I’m trying something new. I truly have everything I need, and the best gift you could possibly give me is helping me support [Name of Specific Charity]. They do amazing work with [What they do], which is something I’m really passionate about.

I’ve set up a fundraiser here: [Link]

Please don’t feel obligated at all, but if you were thinking of getting me a gift, I’d be so grateful if you’d consider donating instead. Let’s see how much good we can do together!”

Help Them Land The Story

We all have a friend or know someone who is a fantastic storyteller. But have you ever noticed that even great storytellers have a “hype person”—someone in the group who helps them out?

You can be that person. Helping someone land a story is a subtle art that makes them feel like the wittiest, most interesting person in the room.

Here’s how:

Tee Up the Best Part: If you know the story, you can tee up the punchline without giving it away.
- “Oh, this is a great story. Make sure you tell them the part about the seagull.”
Ask for a Key Detail: You can prompt them for a sensory detail that makes the story more vivid for everyone else.
- “Wait, what was that exact sound the car was making? Describe it for them.”
Be the First to Laugh: Don’t wait for the punchline. A well-placed chuckle in the middle of a funny story gives everyone else permission to laugh and boosts the storyteller’s energy.
Confirm a Absurd Detail: When they get to a wild part of the story, you can jump in as the witness to confirm how crazy it was.
- “I was there, and I can confirm, the raccoon was, in fact, wearing a tiny hat.”

It’s even better if you can inject humor! Try our guide if you’re feeling humorless: How to Be Funny: 8 Easy Steps to Improve Your Humor

Curate a Care Package of Links (For sending a friend helpful articles or videos on a topic they care about)

Sending a friend a single link can be a conversational dead end. It pops up, they say, “Thanks, I’ll check it out,” and then… crickets. A curated “Care Package” of links, on the other hand, sends a totally different signal.

When you send a small, hand-picked collection—maybe two articles, a video, and a podcast episode—you’re showing that you’ve been listening deeply. It says, “I haven’t just thought about you once; I’ve been thinking about this challenge or passion of yours over time, and I’ve been collecting things to help.”

Listen for the Obsession (or the Problem): This works equally well for passions and problems. Is your friend suddenly obsessed with learning guitar? Or are they feeling overwhelmed about training a new puppy? That’s your topic.
Become a Slow Collector: You don’t have to find everything at once. When you stumble upon a great article, video, or tool related to their topic during your week, just save the link in a note on your phone. When you have 3-4 good ones, you’re ready to send your package.
Frame It with a “No-Pressure” Intro: The key is to present it as a gift, not a to-do list. Briefly explain what each link is so they can choose what’s most relevant.

Here’s a template you can use:

Subject: A few things that made me think of you!

Body: “Hey! I’ve been saving a few links for you since you mentioned you were getting into gardening. No pressure at all to look at these, but I thought they might be helpful as you get started!

This article had a super simple explanation of soil types that finally made sense to me.
This quick video is the best I’ve seen on how to not kill fresh herbs (a personal struggle, lol).
And this podcast episode is just a really inspiring interview with a gardener that got me excited.

Hope they help!”

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on Helping Others

What are the best ways to help people in the community?

Some of the best ways to help people involve giving your time and skills. You can volunteer at local charities, food banks, or animal shelters. Mentoring a young person, offering pro bono professional services, or simply participating in community clean-up projects are all impactful methods that strengthen your local area and provide direct support to those in need.

Why is it important that we help each other?

It is important to help each other because it builds stronger, more resilient communities and fosters a sense of connection. Mutual support creates a safety net, ensuring that individuals are not left to face challenges alone. This cooperation not only improves individual well-being but also promotes a more compassionate and collaborative society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

How can I help others without spending money?

You can help others without money by offering your time, skills, and kindness. Simple acts like listening to someone who is struggling, running errands for an elderly neighbor, or donating blood are incredibly valuable. Offering your professional skills to a non-profit or teaching someone a new skill are also powerful ways to contribute to the well-being of others.

How can I help someone going through a difficult time?

When you want to help someone going through a difficult time, start by offering a non-judgmental ear and validating their feelings. Instead of saying “let me know if you need anything,” offer specific, practical help like cooking a meal, helping with chores, or driving them to an appointment. Your consistent presence and support can make a significant difference.

How can I make a difference in the world?

You can make a difference by starting with small, consistent actions in your daily life. This can range from reducing your environmental impact and making ethical consumer choices to educating yourself and others on important social issues. Lasting change is often the cumulative result of many people deciding to contribute positively in their own sphere of influence.

What’s One Way You’ll Make a Difference This Week?

You don’t need a cape or a master plan to make a difference in the world. As we’ve seen, changing the world often looks a lot quieter than we think. It can be as simple as putting a shopping cart back, as connecting as sending a memory you shared, or as empowering as making sure a great idea gets heard in a meeting. Helping isn’t a personality trait you either have or don’t; it’s a collection of small, specific skills you can practice.

The most important step is always the next one. So my challenge to you is simple: don’t just close this tab and feel vaguely inspired. Choose at least one thing from this list—the one that felt easiest or most exciting—and commit to doing it this week.

Here are more key skills you can start practicing today:

Master the Micro-Moment: Use tiny, anonymous acts—like doing a “Five-Second Tidy” or always putting your shopping cart back—to create pockets of order and ease in shared spaces.
Send Pressure-Free Signals: Strengthen your personal relationships by sending non-transactional texts, such as a fond memory or a curated “care package” of links, that ask for nothing in return.
Use Your Body Language for Good: Simple, non-verbal cues like holding the door every time or giving someone a “Green Light” Nod are powerful ways to make others feel seen and encouraged.
Become an “Amplifier” for Others: Actively look for opportunities to champion a colleague’s idea in a meeting or help a friend land a story in a group. You’re lending your social capital to help them shine.
Be a Thoughtful Connector: Go beyond simple networking by acting as a “Human Search Engine” for your friends, using the “double opt-in” method to connect people who can genuinely help each other.
Channel a Celebration into a Cause: “Outsource” your birthday by asking for donations to a cause you love instead of gifts, allowing your friends to feel good about giving while making a collective impact.

If you enjoyed learning the practical skills of how to act in helpful ways, the natural next step is mastering the art of listening. Many of these techniques are powered by a deep understanding of what someone is truly saying. You can dive deeper into that with our popular article on The 7 Most Charismatic Cues to Use While Listening.