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It feels good to help others, whether you're helping out at home, at work, or at school. And studies show that when you do something nice for someone else it doesn’t just help them—it also gives your life a sense of meaning, which can boost your overall happiness and wellbeing.[1] If you’re eager to become a more helpful person, you can start making a difference in the lives of others with just a few simple steps.

1

Offer to be there when things are tough.

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  1. If you know someone who is facing a difficult situation, ask if they’d like you to go along. For instance, you could offer to go with a family member to a stressful medical appointment, or just hang out with a friend who’s going through a rough breakup.[2]
    • Say something like, “Want me to tag along when you go in for your checkup today?” or “I know things have been hard lately. Want me to come over to your place for a while this afternoon?”
    • Even if you’re not actually doing much, your presence can be really reassuring to a loved one during a tough time.
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2

Ask what you can do if you’re not sure.

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  1. Don’t always assume you know what someone wants or needs, especially if they’re dealing with a tough situation. They might need a hand running errands, or they might just want to talk about how they’re feeling. Just say something like, “Is there anything I can do to help?”[3]
    • If the person is hesitant to name anything specific, try making some gentle offers. For example, “If you want, I could run out and grab you some lunch,” or “Would it help if cleaned up here while you go rest for a bit?” Don’t be pushy if they keep saying no, though.
4

Be an active listener.

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  1. When someone is talking to you about what they want or need, make an effort to really understand what they’re saying instead of just passively taking it in. Give signals that you’re paying attention, such as nodding and saying things like “Yes,” or “I hear you.” You can also rephrase what they’ve just said to make sure you understand it.[5]
    • For example, say something like, “It sounds like you’re overwhelmed trying to finish all these projects on your own, and it would help if someone took one of them off your hands. Is that right?”
    • You can also ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. For example, “Can you tell me more about the problem you’re having with the files? I didn’t quite understand that.”
    • Sometimes, just the act of listening can be a huge help all on its own!
5

Set a daily intention to help.

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  1. Instead of just telling yourself you’re going to be more helpful from now on, set some specific goals. Try to be consistent about doing this every day so that it becomes part of your routine.[6]
    • Your goals don’t have to be huge, especially when you’re starting out. For example, you could say to yourself, “Today I’m going to help my mom out with the housework. I’ll offer to wash the dishes after breakfast.”
    • If it helps, write down your intentions in a planner or a text document. You can even set a reminder for yourself on your phone.
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6

Start a helpfulness journal.

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7

Schedule specific times to help out.

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  1. If you want to help out but you’re not sure when you can fit it in, sit down and take a look at your schedule. Figure out when you have a little free time—even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes—to do something helpful every day. Having this kind of structure will make it easier to focus on what’s really important to you, like helping others.[8]
    • For instance, you could set aside 20 minutes every afternoon to help your sibling with their homework.
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8

Be a positive influence.

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  1. When you’re kind to others, it creates a ripple effect. This means that you have the power to make your community better just by being your best self! When you interact with others, make an effort to be gracious, responsible, and respectful. They might just be inspired to pay it forward.[9]
    • There are many small ways to set a good example for others. For example, you might make an extra effort to be polite to the cashier at the grocery store, or go out of your way to offer someone a sincere compliment.
    • You can also be a positive influencer by acting in socially responsible ways. For instance, during the COVID pandemic, set an example by wearing a mask and following social distancing rules.
9

Volunteer your time.

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  1. Being helpful is about more than just looking out for people you know. You can also offer your time or skills to charities, service organizations, or schools in your area. Check with organizations that support causes you care about to find out if there’s anything you can do.[10]
    • For example, you might volunteer to read to kids at the local library, spend time with the animals at a nearby shelter, or make fundraising calls for a charity you support.
    • If you have any special skills, find ways to put them to use! For instance, if you’re a math whiz, you could offer to tutor kids at your neighborhood elementary school.
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10

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  1. Donating to charity is a great way to help the people who need it most. When you find a charity that supports a cause you’re interested in, check out their website or give them a call to find out about your donation options.[11]
    • Many charities prefer getting cash to receiving items. Before you donate goods, such as canned food or clothes, check to make sure they’re actually wanted.[12]
    • Before donating, check out your potential charity’s reputation on a charity watchdog website like the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, or Charity Watch. That way, you’ll know whether your donation is really going to the people who need it.[13]
11

Make sure your help is wanted.

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  1. Before you help someone, stop and think. Even if they look like they’re struggling, they might really want to be left alone—or they might not want the kind of help you think they do. When in doubt, it’s always best to ask!
    • For instance, if someone is talking to you about a tough time they’re going through, don’t assume they want advice or are looking for a way to fix things. Instead of jumping in with advice, ask something like, “Is there anything I can do, or do you just feel like venting?”[14]
    • Be especially sensitive when trying to help people with disabilities. Always ask before giving assistance unless you know the person and know that they want your help.[15]
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13

Get backup if you’re overwhelmed.

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  1. If you feel like you’re in over your head, or the help you’ve been giving isn’t enough, it’s totally okay to get extra support. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend, loved one, or other trusted person to pitch in, or even get professional help.
    • In some cases, it’s important to get a professional involved. For instance, if you’re worried that someone you love is having a mental health crisis, the best thing might be to encourage them to see a doctor or counselor.[17]
    • If you think you’re dealing with an emergency situation, don’t hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency number. Don’t try to handle it by yourself!
    • If you’re a kid or a teen, reach out to a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult if you need help and advice.
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Tips

  • Before you offer assistance, think about whether it’s something you can actually do. Do your best to follow through once you’ve committed to help.[18]
  • If you’re having trouble staying motivated to be helpful, plan to yourself afterwards. For example, you could promise yourself a trip to your favorite ice cream place after you mow your parents’ lawn.
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About This Article

Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA
Co-authored by:
Life Coach
This article was co-authored by Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Michelle Shahbazyan is a Life Coach, Author, and Speaker based in Los Angeles, California. She is the Founder of The LA Life Coach, a concierge life, family, and career coaching service. She has over 15 years of experience with life coaching, consulting, motivational speaking, and matchmaking. Michelle has helped thousands of clients achieve peace, fulfillment, and a healthier mindset. Her ultimate goal is to provide her clients with the tools, perspectives, and resources needed to create the life they desire. Michelle specializes in supporting individuals and couples with a wide array of concerns, including depression, anxiety, love and relationship issues, ADHD, grief, stress, anger management, and career planning. Her approach is informed by neuroscience, anthropology, sociology, and behavioral biology, ensuring that the strategies she develops with clients are both effective and enduring. She has a BA in Applied Psychology and an MS in Building Construction and Technology Management from Georgia Tech University, and a MA in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University. This article has been viewed 205,839 times.
38 votes - 80%
Co-authors: 45
Updated: March 18, 2024
Views: 205,839
Categories: Featured Articles | Kindness
Article SummaryX

Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes, and there are plenty of ways to be helpful. Try taking time out of your weekend to help a friend or family member. You could help your grandparents clean out their garage or help a friend set up for a party. You can help in small ways too, like helping your flatmate clean, helping your mom cook dinner, or carrying someone’s bag for them. Keep in mind that most people won’t ask for help, so try to offer it whenever you can. If you’re not sure how you can help, just ask. Even if someone doesn’t need a hand, it’s likely that they’ll appreciate the gesture. To learn how to help someone through a tough time, read on!

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Reader Success Stories

  • Tania Senstalez

    Tania Senstalez

    Dec 8, 2019

    "This article has helped me to be helpful and nicer to others and made me more confident."
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