3 easy things to do in 2010

by Sally Robinson; 7th February 2010

As another new year and a new decade has begun, there are 3 simple and easy things to do that will help the rest of mankind and make you feel so much happier too!

Keep your eyes open.

This isn’t meant in the literal sense of course! Have you noticed recently how much people don’t actually seem to actually look outside of their own bubble? If this isn’t something you’ve noticed, take a look next time you are in a supermarket; how many times do you have to dodge the semi-abandoned trolley in the middle of the aisle as the “owner” takes a look across the shelves? How many times do you have to navigate around staff that are shelf-stacking to the point that a number of staff in the same aisle obstruct the entire width of the aisle? Do you find it difficult to get in or out of the shop for the group of customers having a neighbourly chat?

Never is the “bubble syndrome” more evident that on the roads. Those that block the roundabout because they have failed to consider that the traffic ahead means there is nowhere for them to go and therefore stop other directions of traffic flowing; those that sit in the yellow box causing a complete gridlock around them because they either didn’t see the box OR were so determined to get to where they are going; and my personal favourite as a pedestrian, those that don’t even see the pedestrian crossing never mind the pedestrians who are waiting to cross and should have a right of way.

On first and frustrated observation of these occurrences it’s easy to assume the offenders are selfish and just determined to do what they want regardless of others but this is likely to be in the minority of cases. I think it is more likely that people have fallen into a blinkered, automaton, self-focused mentality and are simply failing to realise the domino effect of their actions.

Now you be thinking “Why tell ME to keep MY eyes open?” – well the response is that to change the word we have to start somewhere so if we try and make a change it can only be to the better.

So what does “Keeping your eyes open” mean? It means following a few simple principles:

Be aware of your surroundings - where you are in that environment and don’t assume that you are the ruler of the situation but have to share the space with others around you.

Be focussed on what you are doing at the time you are doing it. The term “multi-tasking” has become so prolific that we are now expected to juggle roles; demands and a multitude of “to do” items have been to our detriment.

No doubt a variety of accidents can occur because someone was thinking of what to cook for tea; what time the kids needed picking up and if they’d paid the gas bill while doing something entirely unrelated.

As children we naturally focus on the thing we are doing but as we get older, the pressure to do numerous things at the same time begins and increases. It may be therefore that you have got out of the habit of how to focus on the task in hand so this may be a challenge to you but there are ways to keep your brain a little less fractured with different issues and “to do” items. The first method is have a “to do” list and keep it with you at all times. As and when things come to mind that you need to do, make a note in your list. If you find that things come to mind when you are driving, use your hands free mobile to leave a voicemail message at home for yourself or when you next pull over; then add to your list. Finally, when undertaking the particular task, if you find your mind drifting onto something else, tell yourself to focus.

Do something for the benefit of someone else.

Ideally this should be doing something for someone you don’t consider to be within your family or social circle – essentially do something for a stranger.

It’s easier to do this once you’ve got your eyes open as you’ll be more conscious of your surroundings and therefore spot opportunities to help another person.

Some of you may be thinking “What do you mean do something for a stranger? How much will it cost me?”

It doesn’t mean taking on financial commitments or scheduling something on a regular basis in fact quite the opposite. It’s about doing random acts of kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity.

Here are some real-life examples that I can recall recently that my husband and I have done:

Gave someone change so they could use the toilets at a main train station.

Got a supply of rock salt from the local grit bin and scattered it on communal paths during the cold snap.

Gave someone a 1st class stamp rather than they have to buy a book of 6.

Temporarily took in a neighbour’s escaped dog.

Lent mobile phone to a fellow train commuter so they could let family know of travel delays.

Hopefully these examples illustrate the type of ways to help someone else which are simple, easy and inexpensive.

It’s important to recognise that doing these little gestures isn’t about getting praise but about being generous in spirit and thoughtful to others. By doing these little things for others, you’ll be amazed how much better you will feel and how re-energised by doing something positive for someone else.

Appreciate and show your gratitude.

Finally the 3rd new thing to do. Appreciate those that do a good job or demonstrate a kind and generous attitude.

It’s all too easy to expect the worst service, quality or outcome and sometimes in our preparation for disappointment we fail to appreciate those that exceed our expectations and add a real value to the situation. Not only should you recognise and appreciate a job well done (although this alone will make you feel more positive and happier for realising the little joys in life) you should express it!

It’s very easy to adopt a “they are paid to do that job so they should do it well” perspective but there are people who do more than the job requires and also I am sure you appreciate being thanked in your work so why wouldn’t others? In some cases a simple heartfelt (and the emphasis is on being sincere and genuine here) “Thank You” is all that is needed.

In a recent call I had when making some enquiries about an inherited item I was so impressed by the detail of the information I received; how useful it was and I didn’t feel that the conversation was hurried that I thanked him for his time and expertise. Similarly I recently ordered an item online – nothing unusual there but the item arrived so promptly (around Xmas too no less!); well packaged and with an unexpected free glove/scarf set. I gave the company a quick call simply to thank them for the item and I could hear the satisfaction when I said how impressed I was.

I believe that expressing thanks is as infectious as smiling at someone. When we show genuine appreciation for someone it gets passed on to others in a ripple!

SO these are the 3 simple things to try this year. For the cynics amongst you, just spend 1 week doing 1 of these things and see if you don’t feel better for it. And the added bonus is that those around you will reap the benefits too, albeit in many cases unknowingly. There really isn’t a downside so why not try it!