7 daily habits of people who quietly make the world a better place, says psychology

We’ve all met them: those humble heroes who seem to effortlessly uplift everyone around them. They’re the people who, without fuss or fanfare, somehow make the world a better place just by being in it.
But what makes these individuals tick? What are their secret habits that lead to such a positive impact on those around them?
Well, my friends, psychology might have some intriguing answers.
It turns out, these everyday changemakers share some common daily habits that fuel their quiet influence. Habits that not only benefit them personally but also have a ripple effect on the world around them.
So, if you’re curious about how you too can contribute to making the world a better place (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), stay tuned. This article will reveal seven daily habits of people who do just that.
Ready to dive into the world of quiet altruism? Let’s begin with the first habit…
1) They practice mindfulness
You’ve probably heard of mindfulness, but did you know it’s a crucial habit of those who quietly make the world better?
Mindfulness is all about living in the present moment, without judgment. It’s about being fully engaged in what’s happening right here, right now.
By practicing mindfulness, these individuals cultivate a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them. They’re more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and how these can impact others.
And here’s the beauty of it – mindfulness isn’t confined to a meditation cushion. It can be practiced at any moment of the day – whether you’re sipping your morning coffee, walking to work, or typing out an email.
So why not give it a try? You might just find that this simple habit not only enriches your own life but also positively influences those around you.
2) They make time for others
Now, this is a habit that I can personally vouch for.
In my own life, I’ve noticed that the people who make the world better are those who genuinely take the time for others. They’re the ones who listen attentively, lend a helping hand without hesitation, or simply offer a shoulder to lean on during tough times.
A couple of years ago, I met a woman named Lisa at a local community event. Lisa had this radiant energy about her that was hard to ignore.
She was always there for anyone who needed her – whether it was offering to babysit for a stressed-out parent or volunteering at the local food bank.
But what struck me most about Lisa was her ability to make time for others, despite her own busy schedule. She’d often say to me, “We all have the same 24 hours in a day. It’s how we choose to spend it that matters.”
Lisa’s actions taught me that making time for others isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about small acts of kindness that can make a big difference. And it’s definitely a habit I’ve tried to incorporate more into my own life.
3) They embrace their flaws
Let me be frank here. Nobody’s perfect. We’re all human, and we all come bundled with our fair share of flaws.
The people who quietly make the world better? They get this. They understand that being human isn’t about being flawless; it’s about embracing and accepting our imperfections.
This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. By acknowledging and accepting their flaws, these individuals create a space for authenticity. They’re real, they’re genuine, and they aren’t afraid to show their vulnerabilities.
And this authenticity? It’s contagious.
When we encounter someone who embraces their flaws, it gives us permission to do the same. It creates a ripple effect of acceptance and self-love that can subtly change the world for the better.
Perfection isn’t the goal here. Embracing our flaws is what makes us human, and in turn, allows us to connect with others on a deeper level. And who knows? This honest connection might just brighten up someone’s day, or better yet, inspire them to pay it forward.
4) They prioritize self-care
Self-care is more than a buzzword or a fancy spa day. It’s about taking care of our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing on a daily basis.
The quiet world-changers among us understand this. They prioritize self-care not as an afterthought, but as a non-negotiable part of their daily routine.
Why? Because they know that to be able to give to others, they first need to replenish themselves. They realize the importance of refilling their own cup before they can pour into others’.
Whether it’s taking a quiet walk in nature, practicing yoga, reading a good book, or even just taking a few moments to breathe deeply – they make sure to incorporate activities that rejuvenate them.
Yes, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. And by making it a habit, not only do we improve our own wellbeing, but we also set a positive example for others to follow.
After all, we can’t pour from an empty cup, can we?
5) They embrace a growth mindset
Did you know that our mindset can greatly influence our ability to grow and learn? It’s true, according to renowned psychologist Carol Dweck.
The quiet heroes of our world often embrace what Dweck calls a “growth mindset“. This means they see challenges as opportunities for learning rather than obstacles. They believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.
Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” they think, “I can’t do this…yet.” They understand that failure isn’t a dead-end, but rather a stepping stone on the path to improvement.
Adopting this mindset means embracing the unknown, taking risks, and learning from mistakes. And this doesn’t just lead to personal growth. It also creates a positive ripple effect, inspiring others to adopt a growth mindset too.
Imagine a world where we all viewed challenges as opportunities for growth. Now that’s a world I’d like to live in!
6) They practice active listening
In a world where everyone is eager to share their thoughts and opinions, the art of active listening has become somewhat of a rarity.
The quiet influencers among us, however, have mastered this skill. They understand that to truly connect with someone, you need to listen – not just hear.
Active listening is all about being fully present in the conversation. It’s about showing empathy, offering undivided attention, and responding thoughtfully rather than jumping in with advice or trying to “fix” the situation.
I’ve found that when someone listens to me in this way, it makes me feel valued and understood. It creates a safe space for genuine connection and mutual respect.
Next time you’re in a conversation, try to really listen. You might be surprised at how this simple act of kindness can make a world of difference to someone else’s day.
7) They cultivate gratitude
Cultivating gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a mindset, a way of viewing the world.
Those who quietly make the world a better place often have this habit of seeking out and acknowledging the good in their lives. They see beauty in the ordinary, value in the simple, and joy in the everyday.
This doesn’t mean they ignore life’s challenges or hardships. Instead, they choose to focus on the positives, however small they may be.
Cultivating gratitude not only increases their own happiness but also spreads positivity to those around them. It’s like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
So why not start today? Take a moment to appreciate something or someone in your life. It could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee or a friendly smile from a stranger.
Remember, gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving. It’s a daily habit that can quietly make the world a better place.
Final thoughts
And there you have it. Seven daily habits of people who quietly make the world a better place, as backed by psychology.
If you see yourself in these habits, that’s fantastic! If not, that’s okay too. Remember, it takes time to form new habits and break old ones.
The key is consistency and intention. Start by picking one habit that resonates with you and practice it daily. Be patient. Change doesn’t happen overnight.
And as you embark on this journey, remember to be kind to yourself. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
Incorporating these habits into your everyday life won’t just benefit you, but those around you too. Because often, it’s the small acts done consistently that leave the biggest impact.
So, here’s to making the world a better place, one day at a time. After all, as the famous quote by Robert F. Kennedy goes, “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.”
Imagine if we each sent forth our own ripples of hope every day – what a wonderful world that would be.