Positive Thursday: 4 Ways to Put Others First

Last updated on November 6th, 2019 at 11:07 pm

As important as it is to focus on your dreams and your goals and your life, it’s equally as important to think about others. And more than just think about others — do something for others. The above image is a phrase we all have heard before, but something I was recently reminded of.

Actions speak louder than words.

It’s so true. I can say how bad I feel for the Japanese victims and how sad it is that they are going through this. That is a passive approach. It’s just like if I were to say “I really want to become a life coach.” They are empty words unless action is taken. And action means actively doing something about the words you are saying.

As with pursuing our dreams, there are so many things we can actively do to put others above ourselves. Why not take the opportunity today to put others’ needs and wants above your own? I decided to compile a list of

4 Ways to Put Others’ First

1. Do something – donate!

I just mentioned the Japanese earthquake, so rather than just pray for them and think of them (which is great also!). Check out Prayers for Japan on Facebook for tons of resources. Another easy way to place these people above yourself is to support the Red Cross relief efforts.

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a simple $10 donation. Here’s more info: Donate Funds to Red Cross. I could think of tons of things I could spend $10 on — a new tank top, five cups of coffee, a new agenda, a tanning package. That all seems so unimportant compared to what $10 actually means to people who need help more than anything

2. Volunteer. Take positive action within your community.

Recently, a friend and I volunteered at a community supper. Besides just cleaning and making food, we spent time with people in the local community who didn’t have a home, friends, or both. It was a simple two hours of our time that meant the world to the people we talked to. More importantly than just giving them food, we spent time with them.

We asked them questions about their lives, we shared stories about our lives, we treated them as the equals they are. These people needed food and shelter, but they also needed support and just someone to make them feel important. I learned so much from this simple step — taking time out of my busy schedule to help someone else made my to-do list seem pretty unimportant.

3. Show encouragement and thanks.

Rather than consciously think about how great your friends and role models are, why not tell them? Write them a note telling them why you appreciate their impact on your life. Know someone who is having a bad week? Write them an encouraging note.

Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in our busy schedules and our happy moments and we forget that others might not be feeling so great. You don’t have to let this ruin your happiness, but you can take a proactive step to show that you care for them, that you support them, that you are there for them!

4. Embrace “the little things”.

Has anyone ever let you cut in line at the grocery store? Has anyone ever held the door open for you when your hands were full? Sometimes putting others’ first can be as simple as saying hello to someone or showing kind gestures.

One time I arrived at my favorite coffee place to order and the cashier told me that my drink had already been paid for by the previous customer. How sweet! Consciously choose to seek out actions that put others above yourself, even strangers!

I’ve found that the more I put others above myself, the more I gain from the experience or choice. This doesn’t mean you should completely disregard your own wants and needs, but instead just choose to see both sides.

You are beyond important and what you are doing in life is so important, but everyone else is equally important. Try out one of these four ways to put others above yourself and let me know the outcome and how it makes you feel.

Today, you have the opportunity to make a difference. Your actions and deeds you do for others say something directly about you as a person. And honestly, the blessings and joy you get from helping others are beyond rewarding.

Andrea Teggart