99 Ways to Be More Selfless

Some people confuse giving with sacrificing. They think when they give something away, they’re giving something up — one minute you have it and the next minute you don’t. But the truth is, if you don’t want anything in return for your kind gesture, you gain as well. The recipient benefits from your generosity while you benefit from the good feeling of being able to help. Moreover, the greater the sacrifice, the better the feeling you’ll receive as a result. As Henry David Thoreau said, “The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” What can you do to be more selfless?

How to Be Selfless — The Definitive Checklist

As you read through the following list, think about how you give of yourself — and if you can give more. Here are 99 ways to be more selfless:

Put others’ needs ahead of your own.
Be the first to give.
Do something nice when it’s least expected.
Tell it like it is — even when the truth hurts.
Be genuinely happy for the success of others.
Pull your own weight.
Offer before being asked.
Be generous without expecting anything in return.
Raise your hand when no one volunteers.
Be kind to someone who’s in no position to help you.
Strive for win-win — rather than winner-take-all.
Go out of your way to help a stranger.
Do what’s right even though it may negatively impact you.
Be a loyal friend when the chips are down.
Avoid using your authority — even when you have it.
Give from the heart rather than writing a check.
Write a glowing review —without being asked.
Share information with someone who could benefit from it.
Make a gift rather than buying one.
Give stuff away — for free — instead of selling it.
Pitch in, even though it’s not your job.
Give credit where credit is due.
Buy one for yourself…and then gift one to a friend.
Use your social network to help a colleague.
Keep your promise — no matter what the cost.
Tell someone to pay it forward instead of paying you back.
Talk to a shy person at a social event.
Stick up for someone who’s being mistreated.
Admit when you’re wrong.
Congratulate your opponent after their win.
Offer the last piece.
Listen more. Talk less.
Give up your seat.
Show someone the ropes.
Offer constructive feedback.
Pick up after yourself.
Go the extra mile — even when you’re tired.
Give your undivided attention.
Meet someone halfway.
Don’t keep score.
Try to find the merit in each other’s arguments.
Share the limelight.
Compliment a stranger.
Give professional advice for free.
Give someone else a turn.
Remain above the fray.
Stand up for what’s right — even if you’re the lone voice.
Be open-minded and tolerant.
Follow the letter as well as the spirit of the law.
Come to the rescue.
Volunteer to do work that no one else wants to do.
Make someone feel special.
Forgive and forget.
Share your resources.
Sacrifice for the team.
Accept some of the burden.
Teach others what you know best.
Give tough love.
Be supportive during hard times.
Be open, honest, and transparent.
Give to those in need.
Lend your coat.
Become a mentor.
Give up your seat.
Make yourself available.
Be a good team player.
Run toward a problem rather than kicking the can down the road.
Smile — even when you’re having a bad day.
Make sure you leave enough for others.
Earn it — rather than demanding it.
Take the smaller piece.
Lift others up.
Be empathetic.
Help others see the glass as half full.
Offer unconditional love.
Be fair and just.
Trust and respect people.
Share your good fortune.
Remember details about people.
Give a little when you don’t have a lot.
Tell someone how much they mean to you.
Reach out to your elderly neighbor.
Pick up litter.
Show confidence in people.
Challenge people to do better and to be better.
Assist someone who requires help.
Assume the good intent of others.
Be conscious of other people’s time.
Share information rather than keeping it close to the vest.
Take only what you need and leave the rest.
Honor the heroes who sacrificed everything.
Accept people for who they are — rather than who you want them to be.
Put yourself in others’ shoes.
Give people space.
Point out someone’s mistake — in private.
Give your children wings.
Refrain from saying, “I told you so.”
Provide hope.
Sacrifice today, so that others have a better tomorrow.

It’s important to note that when you give of yourself and expect something in return, it’s a transaction not a kind gesture. You have one eye on giving and the other on what you’ll receive in return. That not only takes you away from the moment, but you can’t do your best or be your best when you have a hidden agenda. Plus, when you give of yourself without expecting something in return, your entire focus is on pleasing the recipient. In summary, if you demand recognition for giving — you’re buying something.

What can you do to be more selfless? As the saying goes, “Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person.”

Check out Frank’s latest book, The Path to a Meaningful Life.