Being a genuinely good person is more than just being nice.

It’s about being selfless, compassionate, and understanding. It’s about doing the right thing, not because you have to or because it’s expected of you, but because it’s the right thing to do.

According to psychology, there are specific actions that truly good people never hesitate to do. You see, being a good person isn’t just an act; it’s a habit. And like any habit, it needs consistent practice.

So, what are these habits that good people have in common? What are the things they would do without a second thought?

Let’s explore the 6 things a truly good person would never think twice before doing, according to psychology. This isn’t about manipulating others or trying to look good; it’s about genuine goodness and making the world a better place.

Let’s uncover these habits of truly good people.

1) Showing empathy

Being a truly good person goes beyond being kind and polite. It’s about understanding others and showing empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. When you show empathy, you acknowledge the person’s feelings and validate their experience.

A good person would never hesitate to show empathy. It’s one of those things they do without even thinking about it.

This isn’t about trying to fix others or offering advice. It’s about listening, understanding, and acknowledging their feelings. It’s about being there for them, even if you can’t solve their problems.

In the words of Carl Rogers, a renowned psychologist, “When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good.”

That’s what empathy is all about. It’s not about changing people or trying to make them feel better. It’s about accepting them as they are and acknowledging their feelings.

So if you want to be a genuinely good person, then empathy should be your default response. And trust me, it doesn’t just make others feel better; it can also boost your own mental well-being.

2) Taking responsibility

True goodness comes with a sense of responsibility. It’s about owning up to your mistakes and not shying away from the consequences.

I remember a time when I messed up in a project at work. It was a simple oversight, but it caused a delay in the project delivery. Instead of pointing fingers or making excuses, I took responsibility for my mistake.

I apologized to my team and worked overtime to correct my error. It was tough, but it was the right thing to do. And it taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of taking responsibility.

Owning up to your mistakes gives you the power to grow and learn from them. It shows that you are willing to correct your actions and make things right.

It’s not always easy, but a truly good person would never think twice before taking responsibility for their actions. It’s one of those things they do without even thinking about it. Because they understand that taking responsibility is not just about admitting mistakes; it’s about learning and growing from them.

3) Offering help

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed help but were too afraid to ask?

A truly good person is always ready to lend a helping hand. They don’t wait for others to ask for help. They extend their assistance whenever and wherever they can, without expecting anything in return.

I remember the time when my neighbor’s car broke down in the middle of the night. Without a second thought, I offered to drive him to work the next morning. I didn’t do it because I had to or because I expected a favor in return. I did it simply because it was the right thing to do.

By offering help, we are not just making life easier for others; we are also contributing to a healthier society. We are allowing people’s highest purposes to emerge by helping them meet their basic needs.

If you want to be a truly good person, don’t hesitate to offer help. It’s one of those things that good people would never think twice before doing.

4) Expressing gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful emotion, and expressing it is an act that truly good people would never think twice before doing.

In fact, psychology has repeatedly shown the power of gratitude.

A study conducted by Emmons and McCullough in 2003 found that individuals who kept a daily gratitude journal reported higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism, and energy compared to those who focused on daily hassles or neutral life events.

This doesn’t mean just saying “thank you” when someone holds the door for you or serves you at a restaurant. It’s about acknowledging the good in your life and expressing your appreciation for it.

I remember my grandmother always taught me to count my blessings. She would say, “There’s always something to be thankful for.” And she was right. Whether it’s the roof over our heads, the food on our table, or the people in our lives – there’s always something to be grateful for.

Make it a habit to express gratitude. Not only will it make others feel appreciated, but it will also boost your own happiness and overall well-being. After all, gratitude doesn’t just benefit the receiver; it also benefits the giver.

5) Practicing forgiveness

Forgiveness is not just about letting go of grudges; it’s about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment.

I’m sure everyone has been wronged at some point in their lives. I know I have. And while it’s easy to hold onto anger and resentment, I’ve learned that forgiveness is the key to inner peace.

Forgiveness isn’t something you do once and forget about. It’s a continuous process, a mindset that you need to consciously adopt.

According to psychology, a truly good person would never hesitate to forgive. They understand that holding onto grudges only hurts them more in the long run.

So, practice forgiveness. Not for others, but for yourself. Because at the end of the day, your peace of mind is more important than holding onto grudges.

And remember, forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing the other person’s actions; it simply means letting go of the resentment and anger that’s holding you back.

6) Embracing vulnerability

Vulnerability is often seen as a sign of weakness. But is it really?

Many of us spend our lives trying to hide our flaws and imperfections. We put on a brave face and pretend everything’s fine, even when it’s not. But here’s the thing – no one’s perfect. And that’s perfectly okay.

According to Brené Brown, a renowned psychologist and research professor, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”

A truly good person understands this. They’re not afraid to admit they’re wrong or say they don’t know. They’re not afraid to ask for help or express their feelings. They embrace vulnerability because they know it’s not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.

Don’t be afraid to show your vulnerable side. It won’t make you weak; it will make you human. And in the end, that’s what truly matters.

Final reflections

Being a truly good person isn’t about grand gestures or huge acts of kindness. It’s about the little things we do on a daily basis without even thinking about it.

These are not just actions; they are habits. And like any habit, they need consistent practice.

So as you go about your day, remember to incorporate these habits into your life. And remember, being a good person isn’t just beneficial for those around you; it can also boost your own mental well-being.

In the end, it’s not about how much we do, but how much love we put into what we do that truly matters. So, let’s strive to be better, not just for ourselves but for the world around us.

After all, every small act of kindness has the potential to create a ripple effect of goodness in the world.