I still remember when I first started earning money. I began buying things for myself, dining at good restaurants, and maintaining a well-polished lifestyle. I thought maybe this was what happiness looked like. During that time, I had a deep conversation with a friend, he shared a piece of wisdom: “When I reflect back on my life, it’s not the huge accomplishments or financial possessions that make me happy. It’s the small things, like making people happy, that truly brought me happiness.” I didn’t realize the weight of his words at the time, but I do now. The simple act of making others happy brings joy to you as well. But what are these simple acts? Do they require monumental efforts or grand gestures? Nope, it’s the small, thoughtful acts that can brighten anyone’s day. And in turn, it brightens your day too.
The Power of Simple Gestures
The wisdom from my friend stayed with me, and I really wanted to know if it was actually true. After a few days, another friend of mine sent me a picture of a cake she’d baked. She’s a gem at baking, and I had never really properly appreciated her. I told her how wonderful her baking is and complimented her without hesitation. She always bakes and cooks excellent food, so I had to be sure to tell her how amazing she is at making pastries, bread, and cakes. I started realizing these small gestures leave the most lasting impressions. The next day, she surprised me by showing up at my office with the cake. She traveled quite a distance just to share it with me. My simple gesture of appreciation meant so much to her that she made an effort to return the kindness.
We’ve all experienced something similar—when someone remembers your favorite coffee order or sends a random message just to check in. These acts may seem small, but they hold immense value. There are things in life that can’t be measured by currency. The care someone shows can be more valuable than any material gift.
Now, imagine how easily you can create that same feeling for others simply by being genuine. When you sincerely tell someone they did a great job or that they look nice today, you’re offering them a moment of joy. It takes almost no time or effort, yet the impact is profound.
Remembering the Little Things
There’s an old saying, “It’s the thought that counts,” and it couldn’t be truer. The moments, the shared laughter, the sunsets together—memories that you still remember are just little things, but they’re so valuable. Think about times when you remembered your dear friend’s favorite dessert or sent a quick “Good luck” message to your partner before their big day. Think about the last time someone remembered your birthday without a social media reminder or wished you exactly at midnight. The value of that thoughtfulness is priceless. Remember the little things about people, and you’ll see how surprised and touched they are by your attention to detail. These gestures aren’t just acts of kindness. You’re building a deeper connection and reinforcing a positive mindset for yourself.
The Misconception: Pleasing People by Not Bothering Them
Some of us believe that the approach we should take to maintain relationships is by not bothering others with our problems. We keep our problems to ourselves because we don’t want to irritate or upset those we care about. But this approach overlooks a fundamental part of human nature: we all like to feel needed. We enjoy it when someone asks for our help. By not asking for help, you’re actually preventing others from feeling good about themselves. So, by seeking help, you’re giving someone the opportunity to feel valued.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should constantly ask for help, but most people have a strong desire to assist others. We all fear being superfluous, and the needs of others provide us with a sense of purpose. Helping others gives us a reason to exist and feel valuable. It’s important, though, to balance this with taking care of yourself.
The Gift of Vulnerability
Being vulnerable is a powerful way to deepen connections. When you share your struggles with someone, you invite them to be part of your journey, which actually strengthens your bond. Whether it’s with family, friends, or even colleagues, opening up about your challenges and asking for guidance allows others to contribute to your growth. And when you have the chance to help others, don’t hesitate—lend a hand without worrying about personal gain. Helping others is rewarding in itself.
We can’t truly feel valuable until we’re called upon to exercise our strengths. When you are asked for advice, this is the chance to practice your value. We don’t realize our own intelligence until someone asks for our advice or our wisdom until someone turns to us for guidance. Our worth is reflected in the needs of others, and in meeting those needs, we see the best in ourselves.
Balancing Kindness and Boundaries
Don’t overextend yourself—protect your energy, and find balance. There’s a potential pitfall in trying too hard to please everyone, which can lead to neglecting your own well-being. Setting solid boundaries is necessary.
Kindness doesn’t mean saying yes to everything. Sometimes protecting your own energy so you may continue to serve others in the future is the most considerate thing you can do. You may offer generously without getting irritated, angry, or overburdened when you establish boundaries.
Generating Positive Thoughts Through Kindness
Making people happy has a significant impact on your own thinking. Acts of kindness result in the production of endorphins, sometimes known as the “helper’s high.” This natural mood booster not only makes you feel better, but it also strengthens your positive view of life. For example, I once volunteered at a local animal shelter. The experience was incredibly rewarding. Watching nervous kittens turn playful and find loving homes was truly heartwarming. Acts of kindness redirect your attention from your own worries to the well-being of others. This change in perspective can lead to a more profound sense of purpose, where the happiness you create in others becomes a wellspring of satisfaction for yourself.
Be the Change: How Making Others Happy Makes You a Better Person
Making other people happy benefits you as well as them. You become a better person. When you practice kindness, you give others happiness, but what do you receive in return? You build patience, empathy, generosity, and altruism. These attributes elevate your relationships and strengthen your sense of self. Knowing that you have the ability to make people happy allows you to become a positive influence in the world, no matter how tiny the difference you may make. This sense of contribution is deeply rewarding and leads to a more meaningful and satisfying life.
If you have the opportunity to brighten someone’s day, don’t hesitate. Whether it’s through a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply being present, know that your efforts are not in vain. In making others happy, you’re also making yourself happy—and that’s something worth celebrating.