Yes, you make a difference. How this is – is backed by science

Have you seen a video of a man cutting another person’s lawn? Why do someone do videos to help someone in need get viral?

There’s a reason. It elicits a sense of what psychologists call “altitude.” You will feel touched, inspiring and happy.

But here’s where it gets even better. When you do acts of kindness, you inspire a much more positive change, not just one, but three, far beyond the person you are helping.

Social scientists James Fowler and Nicholas Christakis have discovered that kindness spreads through social networks in ways we may not have imagined. Their research shows that when you do simple acts of kindness, it does not only affect the recipient. It can create ripple effects that affect people apart from the separation of up to three degrees. In other words, those who witness you sharing kind words to the cashier at your local supermarket are more likely to be kind to someone.

So let’s break this down. If you do something kind for someone, whether it buys them coffee, helps them on a task, or offers kind words, it doesn’t just make their day. The friend feels raised and then gives positive energy to his friend. The same can be said for your kind gesture spectators. These people may move it forward into their social circle. Research shows that kindness is up to three degrees, meaning that you will never know of a stranger you have never met. Remember the next time you don’t think you’ll make a difference!

Why does kindness spread?

This study highlights the role of emotional contagion in social networks. When someone experiences positive interactions, their mood improves and they are more likely to act in ways that help others. It’s like a chain reaction, with one small spark igniting much larger waves.

Fowler and Christakis also suggest that our social networks are far more interconnected than we are aware. You may not be able to know someone’s friends directly, but your kindness can affect them in the same way, thanks to the invisible threads of connections that link us all. It’s as if we’re part of a huge, complicated web of all goodwill, making every action, much farther than we expect.

One Power

This research brings a strong message: your kindness is important. Each kind of act you perform can not only affect who you help, but also cause a chain of positive interactions that reach people you may not even be able to meet.

Imagine: what if we all made a conscious effort to spread kindness every day? If each of us does an act of goodwill, I call it a micromoment of the uplift in my latest book, sovereignty. It creates networks of compassion and creates a wave of positivity that grows in communities, cities, and even countries. Think about the possibilities. A single smile, one helpful gesture, a shared joke, or thoughtful words can have wide-ranging results.

An easy way to spread kindness

1. Compel someone: A genuine compliment can boost someone’s mood and encourage them to do the same for others.
2. Random acts of kindness: Pay for the stranger’s coffee, leave a positive note to a colleague, and offer to help someone carry the groceries. Small gestures can have a big impact.
3. Listen with empathy: When was the last time you heard about your story, rather than someone looking at the phone or being distracted? Sometimes, what someone needs is someone who listens without judgment. Just being there for someone can mean the world to them.
4. Support local causes: Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply raising awareness for the cause you care about, your efforts can spread goodwill throughout your community.

who knows? Your little well-meaning act may be a spark that changes someone’s day, or even life.