Everyone has a different definition of success and what it means to them. Some seek wealth, others seek a loving relationship and for a few people, success is about leaving a legacy and making an impact on the world. Whether the impression that we leave on the world is large or small, everything positive that we help others experience is of equal value.
For those individuals who really want to dedicate themselves to helping others or making a difference, the following methods can be used to achieve these goals. Hopefully, they will inspire or help you to leave your own impactful legacy.
1. Consider an Altruistic Profession
One of the most common ways for people to make a difference is by adopting a profession that allows them to help others or change the world. There are a host of different jobs out there that allow you to do this, covering all manner of different skill sets and proficiencies so that no matter what you’re interested in, there is probably an altruistic job for you.
The most common choices in this category are healthcare and public service jobs. Doctors, nurses and social carers all dedicate their lives to helping others when they are at their most vulnerable which no doubt makes a difference. Similarly, firemen save lives every day and teachers live their lives educating the next generation to help further humanity. Even beyond these choices, engineers and scientists continually develop ways of generating energy without damaging the planet, whilst politicians aim to introduce policies that help millions to live easier, more comfortable lives. All of these positions all individuals to leave a lasting impact on the world and on the people around them.
2. Complete a Daily Random Act of Kindness
For those that won’t be able to change career comfortably or don’t feel that they have the aptitude for the role that they dream of doing, there are still other ways you can help others. Random acts of kindness are by far the easiest way to bring a little bit of warmth and happiness into the lives of others and, if you spent your whole life doing this, there’s no doubt that you will help tens of thousands of people.
Random acts of kindness can vary greatly depending on the situation. They can be simple behaviors like helping an old lady cross the road or carrying some shopping for someone, as well as kind words like telling a stranger that you like their outfit to boost their confidence. Often, random acts of kindness, whilst seemingly small, can have some of the biggest impacts when delivered to the right people.
3. Charitable Giving
Finally, we have doing our bit and giving to charity. If your financial situation allows it, regularly giving to charity can really add meaning to your own life whilst helping or saving countless others. In Islam, they call this Sadaqah Jariyah, the idea of giving continuous charity to support those most vulnerable throughout your life. By taking time and resources out of your own life to help others, it can bring a positive element to everything you do, helping boost your mood on a day-to-day basis.
Additionally, charitable giving allows you to support whatever cause you are truly passionate about. There are charities out there helping almost every type of person from almost every type of background and in almost every location, assisting you in making a difference where you really want to.
Whilst these three techniques are not the only ways for an individual to bring meaning or impact on their life, they are some of the most common and effective.
Hopefully, this has inspired you to find your own way to help others throughout your life.