Yesterday, I was talking about random acts of kindness and how they can genuinely make a big difference in the world. Today, I want to highlight two incredible initiatives I came across online that truly prove my point.
The first one happened at the World Domination Summit (WDS) in Portland a few days ago. Now, despite its dramatic name, WDS isn’t about world domination in the literal sense. Rather, it’s an event where exceptional people come together for conferences, workshops, and talks focused on following your passions, excelling in them, becoming a better person, and positively impacting those around you.
At the end of the conference, Chris Guillebeau, the mastermind behind it all, found himself with a small surplus of money. Unsure what to do with it, he accepted a donation offer from an attendee and gathered enough funds to give each of the 1,000 conference attendees $100 to take home. So, he took a $100,000 bet on these people. His only instruction was for them to consider how they could use that money—whether to give it back, pay off debt, start a small business, or invest in themselves. The possibilities were endless.
Many attendees have started sharing their plans. For instance, Rami even challenged Guillebeau, promising to return ten times the amount if his book isn’t published by next year. Others, inspired by Scott Harrison, the founder of Charity: Water, decided to forgo birthday gifts this year and instead donate to the charity, adding the extra $100 to their giving goal. Whatever they choose to do, some will accomplish great things, some good, and maybe a few won’t do much. Nevertheless, they’ll all leave with a deep sense of empowerment, knowing that someone believed in them enough to invest in their potential. It’s truly inspiring.
The second initiative I want to mention involves Stephanie’s decision to support a charity or organization each day for an entire year by donating $10. While I’m not one to give money to people on the street, I do believe in helping out in small ways when I see a significant need or passion for a cause. Even though $10 might seem like a small amount, it can go a long way in certain situations, like buying rice in a developing country or covering a full load of laundry for a low-income family. Stephanie’s example has inspired many others to start giving in small amounts wherever they can.
The remarkable thing is that by doing good, you’re also doing good for yourself. The feeling is incredible—giving truly is better than receiving. When you notice that your actions are planting small seeds of change here and there, you realize you’re making the world a better place.
Some people might wonder, what if I don’t have any money? That’s okay; you don’t need money to start doing good and giving back. You can volunteer your time at a local organization or charity, donate blood at the blood bank, tutor a child in your neighborhood, or simply hold the door open and give up your seat for elderly people.
With each small step, you’re not only improving yourself but also enhancing your community.