35 Ninja Ways for How to Make the World a Better Place

You Need to Save Yourself First I always thought that if I put others first and helped them first, that would make me a hero. Somehow I got the idea that by putting others first, I would be doing the "right thing". Boy, was I wrong! It wasn't until I had the realization that putting myself first was the best and only way I could truly help others. And I'm not talking about narcissistically putting myself first. I'm referring to taking care of myself and my needs first so that I can be mentally and physically strong enough to help others. I know we've all heard the put your oxygen mask on first before you help others. The same goes in all aspects. We must fill our own tanks first to be able to help fill others.

Keep It Simple Superhero Another realization that has enlightened me is I was aiming far too big for my own comfort. Meaning, I would set goals that were way too big and too far outside my own comfort zone that they also went outside my own self-trust zone. I was setting a goal that was way too out there, my subconscious was like "yeah right, there's no way in hell!" I was having an internal fight with myself because I didn't trust that I could actually accomplish those things. So I decided to start smaller and work my way up. Build that trust in myself so I could build on bigger goals the more I built my own trust muscles. Sometimes we need to start small, where we know we can push past our comfort zone, yet are still within our zone of self-trust, believing we can accomplish this. I realized that when it comes to making the world a better place, we need to keep it simple, manageable, slightly out of our comfort zone, yet within our zone of self-trust. Reaching out to my blogging family I asked for their ideas. I asked in what small ways would you make the world a better place? And boy did they deliver!!

Here are 35 Ninja Ways for How to Make the World a Better Place 1. "I would make the world a better place by making the least possible impact on the environment. This is done by eliminating or decreasing the amount of meat and dairy I eat, recycling, buying less disposable items and instead of buying things that can be easily reused and eliminating my plastic usage."

Alexis blogs over at FitFinancials.com.2. "A simple act of kindness will certainly lift the spirits of the recipient, and research shows it will also increase your own happiness. It’s a win-win! Kindness is contagious, so let’s create an epidemic."

Check out Ellen's post for ideas for simple acts of kindness.3. "Be kind to other drivers. Let them in, let them go first, practice patience. Instead of getting upset if someone cuts you off, be kind and forgive them immediately. It can take some practice, but you'll find more peace doing this."

Obtaining Bliss4. "Be present in the world. Put your phone down and be aware of your surroundings. Say hello to people. Let someone go in front of you in line. Pick up that bit of trash next to your car in the parking lot. Just be aware of your surroundings and participate in the world because you will come away feeling better as a result."

Sheila has several posts that are based on my favorite quote of all time.

Check out Obtaining Bliss' Personal Development list of books you should read this year.6. "Don't run away from people who are grieving. It's hard to know what to say or do, but just your presence or a small gesture of kindness on a regular basis can help them live through the crisis. When my best friend lost her daughter, a mutual friend came once a week for a year and cleaned her house. When I lost my daughter 3 years ago, my husband (at that time, my fiance) set a cup of coffee by my bedside every single morning for a while."

Read Stephanie's story where kindness helped her live through the worst imaginable thing.7. "Give a coupon to someone in line or about to pay for something. At that point, it's like handing them cash and costs you nothing! I'll do it for meals, products, entertainment ... wherever I am and happen to have an extra coupon!"

Juli from Bargain Believer8. "Give a genuine compliment to someone on their outfit. Women especially remember this kind of comment and it boosts their confidence level. If you see someone with a tag or one of those hanger loops sticking out of their clothing, kindly go to them and let them know or ask if they would like you to fix it for them. I have done this a few times and it is always appreciated."

Nanci from Grandir Fashion9. "Give Patience - As travelers, we often muddle thru communicating with locals using hand gestures, and broken words. At the end of the experience - we usually get our message across, but often times we overlook the gift of patience we have received from a stranger who is helping to interpret what we are trying to communicate. If we can take this lesson of the generosity of time and gift patience to others who need a little more help, we can make the world a better place."

Keri from The Traveling Smarty Pants

Check out Amanda's post on How to Find Time for God and Prayer11. "I have made a point of reminding myself daily (several times) to make a point of being helpful instead of critical. You just never know what someone is going through."

Read Kim's experience about the kindness of strangers here.12. "I like to compliment people whenever possible. Whether it’s their hair, an outfit, shoes, or something can a perfume or lotion they have on. It always makes the person smile. If this small gesture can make someone feel more confident, it’s even better."

Ashley from Unveiled Tales13. "I think one of the big things for me was getting off of social media. I was spending so much time arguing on Facebook it was totally stressing me out and making me an angry person."

Read Craig's post on how Facebook is poisoning our relationships.14. "I try to make the world a better place by being generous. The whole reason for me starting my blog about personal finance was to try and help other people build wealth so they can live better lives and be more generous to others."

Cara from CaraPalmer.com15. "I would get people to stop buying things they don't need and donate at least one thing every month to someone in need. By doing this, you are not only helping someone and saving money, but you are also reducing all the incredible waste that our consumerism culture has created!"

Sara from Gathering Dreams.16. "I would help people do what I write about on my blog, which is how to set up your mornings for success! I believe that if everyone had the right morning routine in place, we could all live happier, healthier, and more productive lives."

Jake from The Morning Start17. "Get out of any toxic relationships you are in. You will attract much better things to your life if you rid your own world of toxicity."

Obtaining Bliss

Read Kimora's post on How to Be Your Own Superhero.19. "I would remove all harsh chemicals from big brand beauty and home products and teach people to have a simple, healthy lifestyle. So many people are unaware that they are sabotaging their health with harmful ingredients found in anything from shampoo to mopping solution! Almost any beauty and household product can be replaced with one or two ingredients found around the house, or you can find some amazing companies that prioritize their customer's health. Natural products combined with a healthy body and mind create a truly healthy lifestyle."

Read how you can start your own natural lifestyle journey on Breanne's blog Essential Moves to Wellness.20. "I would simply say that it could be amazing if there would be more "listening" to our lives. When someone is talking to us, it could be amazing if we could just listen to what she/he has to say. No need for comparison, judgments or anything related to us, but to just hear what this person has to say and to give him/her 100% of our attention. Instead of giving advice, replying with something about us, etc., it could be amazing to just be able to listen 100% :) to just be there :). Sometimes, we just need this! It sounds so simple but for sure, this would make the world a better place :)"

Tamara from Personal Development Zone.21. "Treat others the way I want to be treated."

Stephanie from Aroma Mama.22. "I'd encourage family volunteering. Families would get the chance to spend quality time together and serve the needy at the same time."

Check out Poovanesh's post Why Family Volunteering is Essential.23. "I'd give myself more grace. I tend to be really hard on myself and I think if I could be kinder to myself, then I could be kinder to others, and they could become kinder to themselves too.  At least, that's how it worked in my life. I saw a mentor of mine give herself grace and it really encouraged me. To make the world a better place, I'd add more grace for the overworked, overwhelmed, and undeserving."

Read Mandy's post on Productivity vs Rest.24. "I'd help people save money by showing them that they don't need a bigger apartment, they just need to outsource the jobs of a bigger apartment."

Check out Rae's post Don't get a bigger apartment, outsource instead.25. "I'd make the world a better place by making it mandatory for our kids from a young age into the young adulthood, to actually perform an act of community service for the Holidays or any time throughout the year really; whether that be volunteering their help somewhere or donating to the Military, or making something with their own hands, or performing a talent they may have for a nursing home, or another organization, rather than just make a list of all the things they wish to receive. Our culture is too materialistic based and the Holidays have become all about buying more 'stuff' than we possibly need."

Emily from Social Buzz Hive26. "I've always believed that improving the world starts with improving yourself. That means every act of kindness, courage, compassion, and self-discipline does not only build a better you but builds a better world."

R.J. from The Ways to Wealth

Jenn shares some great ideas for what to do outside here.28. "My tip would be to act online the way you would in the real world. I think too many people hide behind the anonymity of a keyboard these days. It's so easy to be ugly and act in ways you never would in person. So that's why I say, act online the way you would in the real world. Seek to leave a "pretty web footprint" that adds to the kindness of the universe. A rule of thumb I use is I don't post anything I wouldn't want my mom to see (she's long deceased but I always strive to be the person she raised me to be). For sure, I've crossed the line at times. But when I go through my timeline, there's nothing there I wouldn't own up to and/or defend in person. I know this may seem like a small thing, but just imagine if we all did it? How much more beautiful would the world be -- online ... and off. #LetPositivityRule"

Yuwanda from Ink Well Editorial29. "Organize my life so that I can be ready to join, help, serve, invite at a moment's notice. My goal is to prepare myself and my life in advance so that I can be "ready for anything"."

Alison from Midlife Credo30. "Reach out to friend you haven't spoken to in a very long time and check in to see how they are doing. Tell them you were thinking of them and would love to catch up."

Obtaining Bliss31. "There are so many things to do, but my top 'thing' is for children and adults alike to step in and help diffuse a situation if they see someone being bullied."

Sandi from All Things Relax

Check out Lisa's post about the Family Dinner33. "Take a vacation by yourself. This can be scary and so exhilarating. It's a great way to get to know yourself and the best part is you can site see exactly what you want and at your own pace."

Obtaining Bliss34. "When struggling through a difficult pregnancy, I had a hard time figuring out how I could help others and give back in my community. I was pretty much stuck in bed so my options were very limited. I decided that every week I would try to think of someone that might need a little extra support or a happy thought and I would send them an anonymous card. In these cards, I would share an experience where I was impressed by them, or a quality about them I appreciated. Sometimes I would include an uplifting quote too. My hope was these words would brighten their day and help make the world a little happier!"

McKinzie from Today Mommy35. "Tell your kids every day you love them and more specifically what you are proud of them for."

Obtaining Bliss Do you have any tips on how to make the world a better place? Leave your ideas in the comments!