We’re all accustomed to making superficial changes in our lives, whether it’s finding new ways of exercising or tweaking our diet to get in shape for summer. But if we’re looking for ways to boost our overall happiness and add meaning to our lives, then learning to help others is a perfect approach.
Consider those that teach exercise, or help others improve their health and fitness – they often cite a sense of satisfaction because they are helping others build a better life for themselves (in a measurable way).
But, beyond health and fitness, there’s plenty of other ways to help people that lends itself to a deeper feeling of accomplishment.
So, if you’re looking to make a difference, what else can you do?
Make It A Career Choice
If you’re stuck in a job you’re unhappy with, or a career that leaves you feeling cold, then it’s common to feel a sense of unfulfillment that filters into other aspects of your life.
While some people are happy to choose a career that just pays the bills, there are many other careers that let you impact people’s lives in a positive way.
Counselling is one of the most obvious career choices for anyone wanting to give back. Not only does a counsellor help people unblock barriers in their life and overcome problems, you will grow and develop as a person as well.
Techniques such as neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or general talking therapies will be at your disposal to help your clients become better versions of themselves.
And one of the most important areas of counselling right now is in schools. What could be more satisfying than helping the younger generation overcome obstacles to realise their potential?
These days, you can get a masters in school counseling online, and schedule your learning around your current commitments. Online learning is a godsend, as it allows you to transition to your new career without sacrificing income and too much time.
Making A Difference To Your Community
Community work, whether it’s through outreach programs or volunteering is a fantastic way to make a difference to other people. Teaching classes is a perfect example of outreach work, and the opportunities to teach your skills are endless.
You could add dimension to people’s lives via by teaching meditation, yoga or painting; or you could lend more fundamental assistance by spending a couple of hours a week helping out at the nearest homeless shelter.
If you’re looking to give back, often the local community is the best place to start.
When we are learning to help others, it’s about adding value to them – not so we can just tick a box and feel better about ourselves, but to really make a change in their lives.
And the process (ideally) becomes self-perpetuating: the people you have helped can then go on their own journey, and start to help others.
So whether you decide on a career change, or you get involved in the local community, if you want to make a big difference in people’s lives, you can start small. Once we start to learn how to help others, this desire becomes the fuel we need.
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