The phrase be a good person can feel a little intimidating, can’t it? It conjures up images of flawless, saintly figures who never lose their temper, always say the right thing, and probably don’t even own a snooze button.
But let’s get real. Being a good person isn’t about being perfect. It’s not a finish line you cross or a certificate you earn.
It is a practice. It’s the messy, daily, and deeply intentional choice to try and leave people, places, and situations a little better than you found them. It’s about the direction you’re walking in, not the speed at which you arrive. It’s the quiet commitment to kindness and the brave pursuit of your own growth.
If you’re looking for a compass to guide you on that path, here are 10 simple tips to get you started.
Table of Contents
1. Practice Generous Listening
In a world where everyone is waiting for their turn to talk, one of the most generous things you can do is to truly, deeply listen. This isn’t just staying quiet; it’s listening with the sole purpose of understanding, not of formulating your witty reply.
The Ripple Effect: This makes people feel seen, valued, and respected in a profound way. It builds deep, authentic connections and makes you a safe harbor for the people in your life.
Actionable Step: In your next conversation, try to listen without offering any advice unless it is explicitly asked for. Just listen and ask one curious, follow-up question.
2. Assume Good Intent (or at Least Not Malice)
When someone cuts you off in traffic or sends a blunt email, our default is often to assume the worst. A good person makes a conscious effort to choose a kinder story.
The Ripple Effect: This practice saves you an incredible amount of anger, frustration, and stress. It gives others the benefit of the doubt, leading to more compassionate and less confrontational interactions. Most people aren’t villains; they’re just busy with their own struggles.
Actionable Step: The next time someone does something mildly annoying, silently tell yourself, “They’re probably just having a hard day,” and see how it changes your feeling.
3. Take Responsibility for Your Wake
Imagine you are a boat moving through the water. You leave a “wake” behind you—the impact of your presence, your words, and your energy on the people you interact with.
The Ripple Effect: A good person is aware of their wake. They strive to make it a calm and positive one, and when they inevitably make a mess, they take responsibility for it with a sincere apology. This builds trust and integrity.
Actionable Step: At the end of today, think of one interaction you had. What kind of wake did you leave?
4. Be a Silent Helper
Do kind things without needing an audience, a thank you, or a round of applause.
The Ripple Effect: This purifies your intentions. The act becomes about the giving itself, not about the recognition you receive. It’s a quiet, humble practice that cultivates a genuinely generous spirit. Be a kindness ninja.
Actionable Step: Do one small, helpful thing today without telling anyone about it. Put a coworker’s mug in the dishwasher, take your partner’s car to the car wash, or put a few coins in an expired parking meter.
5. Leave Things a Little Better Than You Found Them
This applies to everything, from the kitchen at your office to the energy in a conversation.
The Ripple Effect: This is a simple, powerful commitment to being a positive force in the world. It’s a habit that shows respect for your shared environment and the people in it. It is the opposite of entitlement.
Actionable Step: Today, choose one small space and leave it better than you found it. Wipe down the counter after you use it, push in your chair, or add a positive, constructive comment to a group chat.
6. Genuinely Celebrate Other People’s Success
When someone shares good news, celebrate it with them enthusiastically and without a hint of jealousy. A good person knows that another’s success does not diminish their own.
The Ripple Effect: It builds a culture of mutual support and abundance. When you genuinely cheer for others, you become the kind of person that others want to be around and cheer for in return.
Actionable Step: The next time a friend or colleague shares a win, give them a specific and enthusiastic compliment. “That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you because I know how hard you worked for that.”
7. Be Honest, But Always with Kindness
Honesty without kindness is just cruelty. A good person strives to speak their truth, but always with the intention to help, not to harm.
The Ripple Effect: This builds deep, unshakable trust in your relationships. People know they can rely on you for the truth, but that the truth will be delivered with compassion and respect.
Actionable Step: Before offering a difficult piece of feedback, ask yourself: “Is what I’m about to say true, is it necessary, and is it kind?”
8. Practice Self-Compassion
You cannot be a consistently good and kind person to others if you are constantly at war with yourself. Being good to others starts with being good to you.
The Ripple Effect: When you treat yourself with grace and forgive your own mistakes, you become far more compassionate and forgiving of the imperfections of others.
Actionable Step: The next time you make a mistake, catch your inner critic. Intentionally speak to yourself with the same kind, understanding words you would offer a dear friend.
9. Stay Curious and Be Willing to Be Wrong
A good person doesn’t need to have all the answers. They are humble enough to admit when they’re wrong and curious enough to want to learn from others.
The Ripple Effect: This makes you approachable, adaptable, and wise. People are more willing to connect with and trust someone who is open-minded and willing to grow, rather than someone who is always defensive.
Actionable Step: In a conversation today, try saying, “That’s a good point, I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
10. Keep Your Promises
This is the bedrock of integrity. Do what you say you’re going to do. If you can’t, communicate it honestly and early.
The Ripple Effect: This makes you a reliable and trustworthy person. It’s a simple but profound habit that builds a reputation of integrity and respect in your personal and professional life.
Actionable Step: Follow through on one small promise you made to someone (or to yourself) today.
Being a good person isn’t a destination. It’s a daily practice of small choices. It’s a quiet, lifelong commitment to choosing kindness, showing up with integrity, and leaving your little corner of the world a little brighter than you found it.