We’ve all had moments where we look back and think, “I could’ve handled that situation better” or “I wish I’d been kinder.” It’s normal to feel this way, especially when life gets overwhelming. But the good news? Becoming a more excellent person doesn’t require a complete personality overhaul. It’s about making small, intentional shifts that help you feel more connected to others and yourself.
Let’s talk about three simple ways to become a more excellent person today.
1. Listen More, Speak Less
Have you ever been in a conversation where you realize you’re just waiting for your turn to talk instead of genuinely listening? It happens to all of us. Listening is one of the most underrated ways to show kindness, and it starts with being present.
Imagine your friend is sharing something important, and instead of thinking about how to respond, you focus entirely on their words, emotions, and body language. That simple act of listening—not just hearing—can make the other person feel seen and understood. It’s a slight shift, but it has a significant impact.
Being present in a conversation is one of the easiest ways to show kindness. When you listen attentively, without interruption, it helps people feel valued and understood. You could even use a Good Deeds Journal to track moments you consciously tried to listen more. Writing it down helps build awareness of your kindness journey.
2. Practice Small Acts of Kindness
When we think of “being nice,” we often think of grand gestures: buying someone an expensive gift or going out of our way to do something big. But genuine kindness is in the little things we do every day.
It can be as straightforward as offering a friendly smile, helping someone with groceries, or checking in on a friend having a rough day. These small acts might seem insignificant, but they build a habit of kindness that spreads beyond you. The more you give, the more you’ll receive—not in terms of rewards, but in how good it feels to make someone’s day a little brighter.
Kindness isn’t about grand gestures; it’s often the little things that matter. Hold a door open, smile at a stranger, or reach out with a kind gesture to someone you care about. And why not take it further with a set of Inspirational Quote Cards? You can leave them for people to find or hand them out to those who need encouragement.
3. Be Kind to Yourself
This one might surprise you. Being a more admirable person starts from within. How often do you criticize yourself for not being good enough, making mistakes, or not meeting unrealistic expectations? Being genuinely kind to others is challenging if you’re constantly hard on yourself.
Start practicing self-compassion. When you make a mistake, focus on what you can learn from the experience rather than being overly critical of yourself. Extend the same kindness to yourself that you would offer to a close friend. Take time to rest, recharge, and do things that nourish your emotional well-being. Extending kindness to others becomes more straightforward when you’re kinder to yourself.
Remember, kindness starts within. Be gentle with yourself on tough days. Practising self-compassion makes it easier to extend the same kindness to others. A great way to boost your mood and take care of yourself is by creating a care package for those in need or for yourself. Adding calming items like candles or herbal teas can transform anyone’s day.
Why Does Being Nicer Matter?
Being more likeable isn’t just about making others feel good—it’s about improving your emotional health. When you act kindly toward yourself or others, you reduce stress, boost your mood, and create more robust, positive connections. And let’s face it, we all need a little more of that in our lives.
So, take a deep breath and remember kindness starts small. It’s how you listen, treat yourself, and do small acts without expecting anything in return. Over time, these habits will make you not just a more likeable person but also a happier one.
For personalized support and guidance, click below or write to me at namita@educateable.in.
Ready to get started? Try one small act of kindness today. It could be as simple as texting someone to let them know you’re thinking of them. You never know how much it might mean to them—and how good it will make you feel.
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