There are a variety of ways to go about doing a good deed. Good deeds can encompass a wide range of duties, and how you choose to go about doing a good deed often depends on your reason for wanting to do the deed in the first place. Some people choose to do a good deed because it makes them feel better. Others feel that doing a good deed is an important way to show compassion for others.
No matter what your reason for doing a good deed, there are several ways to go about it. Some good deeds are spontaneous. For example, you may see someone struggling with grocery bags and offer to help. If you step in and spontaneously offer to help someone, it is important not to startle them. While most people appreciate the offer of help, if you appear seemingly out of nowhere, especially after dark, you can scare more than help.
Before you step in to help someone, look them in the eye and smile. Say something to put them at ease. A general statement, such as, “Here, let me help you,” often makes the other person feel more comfortable. Don’t make any reference to the other person being alone or you being strong. These statements can appear threatening.
Once you have completed your good deed, don’t linger. Standing around staring at the other person can make them feel awkward. They may wonder if you are expecting money or getting ready to ask them for their phone number. Instead, accept their thanks graciously, offering a general goodbye, such as, “I’m glad that I could help,” and continue on your way.
If you would like to participate in a more formal type of good deed, there are many charities and nonprofits that would love to have your help. The first step to being involved in a good deed for a charity is to determine the type of charity that you would like to work with. There are many charities that work with animals, children, abuse victims, the environment and many other causes. If you are going to commit time to doing good deeds, it is important to choose a cause that you believe in.
Once you have decided on a charitable cause that you believe in, contact them and ask what they need. You may find that your paying job provides you with skills that a charity would love to have. Many charities also have a need for plain manpower on occasion. They may not require anyone with specialized training, but would love to have someone to register participants at a fundraising walk, unload donated supplies or drive the elderly to doctor’s appointments. No matter what level of skill, most charities can find a way for you to perform a good deed.
