31 ridiculously easy ways to be a better person in 2022

Repeat after me: I am becoming a better version of myself with every passing day.

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We came in to 2021, sat quietly and touched nothing and yet it still seems like much hasn’t changed. We’re still in a pandemic, politicians are still not delivering what they promised, and so many of us are still struggling to stay above water. Yet, many people still somehow managed to make the best of their situations and create something beautiful.

In 2020, we learned of our ability to pivot and 2021 we learned to make magic exactly where we are.  It became the second year in a row to remind us that even in the toughest of situations we are able to adjust when necessary to survive and, in some cases, thrive.

Finally, in 2022 we can take those many lessons and reminders to take us even further than we imagined. And yes, many of those lessons were pretty heavy but they all pretty much amount to the same thing: be a better person

It’s really what all our goals, resolutions and lofty targets are about. Getting us closer to being a better version of ourselves. While self-improvement can take years of therapy (which isn’t accessible to everyone) and reconciliation with traumatic experiences, there are other smaller things you can do right now to help you get there. Dare I say, some things will make you feel like a better person overnight.

Of course, the growth and self-improvement needed to be a better person is a process.  No one expects you to become Mother Theresa right away so don’t put pressure on yourself to do so. Instead, focus on just being better than you were yesterday. Luckily, this list can help.

Self improvement is hard. Luckily, this list is full of easy ways to improve so you can feel like a better person.

1. Make an effort to look your best every day

My mom always said when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you do good. So make an effort to look your best at every opportunity. And no, that doesn’t mean put on a ball gown to sit in your living room in the middle of the pandemic. But it does mean you should put some effort into your appearance. Sure, you can put your hair in a messy bun. Just put on some pink lip gloss too. Skip the sweats with a hole in them and instead wear your favorite leggings. And if you can, get rid of the old t-shirts you wear to bed and choose the matching luxury satin pajama set. It may seem shallow, but it’s amazing how looking better can really help you feel better and bring you closer to being a better person.

2. Learn to listen

I think the last year has taught us that we got 99 problems but talking over others isn’t one. Society has clearly mastered that one. Instead of listening to respond, try listening to understand. Everything can’t be a race to get the last word in. Active listening allows you to not only hear what the other person is saying but comprehend it. Next time you are in a conversation forget about proving your point and instead focus on understanding the other person’s point. And if you have a problem with jumping in, try counting to 2 after the person is done talking before you respond. Or check out this book teaching you how to improve listening skills to build better relationships.

3. Turn off phone notifications

If Beyonce has another baby, Trump gets thrown in prison, or Oprah starts giving away cars again, I’m pretty sure you’ll hear about it. So that means, you definitely don’t need notifications for every social media app and news organization on your phone. They can be pretty addictive. And have you actually taken inventory of how many hours a day you spend on your phone? It’s likely a lot more than you realize. ( I know it is for me) Getting rid of those notifications just might help you breathe, feel a bit lighter and connect with other things in your life that truly matter.

4. Give encouragement

After the last two years, it’s common to find people who have simply given up hope for a better life. Yes, it may be a while till we recover from the pandemic, and the odds are against them. Encourage them anyway. It’s not always easy to be your own cheerleader. Being a better person often means being the cheerleader for someone else when the moment calls for it.

5. Reach out to people the minute they cross your mind

Despite all the billions of people in this world, there are so many people who feel nothing but loneliness. Nothing makes people feel better than knowing they are not only remembered but appreciated. Life moves so quickly that we often neglect people who matter to us without even realizing it. You get so caught up in the cooking, doctor appointments, day job responsibilities and your latest Netlfix obsession that by the time you realize you haven’t reached out to your good friend, several weeks have gone by. Show others that you are a better person with a good heart by reaching out at any passing moment. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone who you haven’t spoken to in months or don’t have anything to say. A simple text saying, “Hey you were on my heart and mind. Just wanted to say I’m thinking about you,” is enough to make anyone feel important. As they say, be somebody who makes everybody feel like someone special.

6. Practice saying, “I was wrong”

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but no one is an expert in everything. ABSOLUTELY NO ONE. So that means, just like it’s ok not to be ok, it’s also ok to say, “I was wrong.” You don’t need to hide in shame in fear of looking stupid, because you actually look even worse if you refuse to admit you were wrong. Every single day we are exposed to new things, new studies are released, and technology changes. Of course, some things we thought we knew years ago can change today. It’s ok to admit you were misinformed, ill-advised or just flat out wrong. Admit it to yourself and then admit it to whoever needs to hear it, whether it be your kids, a friend, or a stranger you argued with on Facebook. Want to be an even better person?  Admit you were wrong and then take action.

7. Sign up to be an organ donor

I know there’s a lot of uncertainty when it comes to death and of course, there are religious considerations, but if you have no aversions to it, sign up to be an organ donor. You won’t need your organs after death and there are many people just waiting for another shot of life. In NJ, you can have your license marked for organ donation after death. Doing so will not only help you feel like a better person now, but your legacy of being a better person will live on if your organs are used. You can also consider being a bone marrow donor. Learn more about it at bethematch.org.

8. Practice positive self-talk

It sounds corny, but you really are whatever you say are. If you say you are not good with organization, then you’re not good with organization. If you say, you are beautiful, then you are beautiful. And if you say that you will be happy tomorrow then you will be. So that means, being a better person is as easy as saying you are already a better person. Speak kindly to yourself and watch the doors open up to you. If you struggle with it, sign up for my newsletter to get positive affirmations sent to your inbox every month.

9. Learn to forgive

So this one actually could require a bit of therapy, but I did write a blog post about this a while back because it really is so important for self-improvement. If you want to move forward in life, you need to be willing to leave past regrets behind. That means forgiving yourself for your past mistakes or shortcomings. No one is perfect and that includes you. Yet, it’s natural to feel guilty over things you did or should have done. It’s ok if you eat too much pizza, took out a loan you shouldn’t have or found your passion later in life. If you must look back at your past mistakes, recognize the lessons they brought, and apply them to the future. And then look yourself in the mirror and say, “I forgive you for what you did. Now I am a better person for it.”

10. Invest in the good sheets, pillow and fancy sleep aids

Like it or not, lack of sleep seems to be the underlying issue with a lot of our problems. It’s connected to stress, weight gain, irritability, depression, etc. Wouldn’t you agree that you are a much more likable person when you aren’t cranky from exhaustion and well-rested?  So it makes sense to invest in all the things that actually improve the quality of your sleep. Go ahead and invest in that amazing light projector that doubles as a white noise machine or that super soft pillow. The better the quality of the sleep, the happier you are, and the easier it is to be a better version of yourself.

11. Support and amplify someone else

Pick one or more people that you believe in and lift them up at every opportunity.  Share their posts on social media, buy their products, write reviews, nominate them for rewards. Do all of that, but don’t let the person know that you are doing it. A better person is someone who does something good for someone else without needing the brownie points of public recognition. And it’s a beautiful thing to amplify someone else in silence and watch their glow up. They’ll feel good and you’ll feel good doing it.

12. Recycle the right way

Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to recycle and most of us do it the wrong way. What do I mean? We throw recyclables away in plastic garbage bags, toss out pizza boxes without cutting out the grease stain in the box and skip rinsing out jars. All these things turn recyclable items into non-recyclable items, and it just gives sanitation works more work. Instead, make sure you are following recycling guidelines to a tee to help preserve our earth cause protecting the earth is definitely something a better person would do. And of course, ditch the plastic bags at every opportunity and get some chic reusuable canvas bags for every trip to the grocery store. I absolutely love this one. 

13. Share your story

While people may think that being a better person equates to being perfect, it doesn’t. To feel like a better person, you may want to relate to more people. And relating to more people often means sharing your story – the good, the bad, the ugly, the mistakes, the wins, etc. Whatever it is, share it. It’s within those stories that you touch lives, learn from your past, and hopefully help others with their futures. Of course, it’s when you share and accept your story that makes it easier for you to be a better person.

14. Move your body daily

Our bodies need physical activity, so please don’t think about it as a punishment for eating junk food or skipping a gym session. It’s necessary for keeping us whole and healthy. So whether it’s 10 minutes a day or one hour a day, commit to moving your body to help put you on the path to prioritizing your health. It can be as simple as putting on a private dance party in the bathroom to jogging a mile. Whatever you choose, make sure you do it religiously because prioritizing your health can help you be a better person too.

15. Toast to the good every night

Life becomes more enjoyable once you realize the beauty in every day. I like to say, “some days may be horrific, but there’s always something that’s terrific.” When you are able to recognize the good things in each day, you’ll be happier and happiness translates into an improvement in so many areas of life. So grab your favorite wine glass and make a toast to the things that went right in the day.

16. Respond to those text messages

Raise your hand if you have a problem with reading text messages and rarely getting back to them in a timely manner. I know I do. No, your whole world shouldn’t stop because you got a text, but it is a tad inconsiderate to let an answered text message sit for hours or days on end without a response if it’s warranted. Try to answer text messages that require a response in a timely manner. And if you don’t for whatever reason, be sure to acknowledge the person for their patience.

17. Spend time every day reviewing your finances

Whether we like it or not, our finances control many aspects of our lives. And when we feel like we aren’t in control of it, it can lead to sleepless nights, stress and overwhelm – all things that make it difficult for us to be the best version of ourselves. Take back control by reviewing your finances a few minutes each day. Pull out your bank statement and look at what’s pending, upcoming bills, and what you may have been overcharged for. Whether you are severely underpaid or well off, it feels good knowing exactly where your money is going and where it should be going. And when you feel in control of your money, you are better able to take control of your life and feel better about yourself. The Inspired Budget blog has great tips on taking control of your finances and Melanie of deardebt.com often runs a wellness challenge that includes a financial review.

18. Take more photos

And I don’t mean a selfie. I’m referring to taking more photos of the moments that bring you joy. You can’t stage all of your life, so you shouldn’t stage all of your photos. Most importantly, make sure you take more photos of the people that truly matter. So go ahead – pull out your camera and start taking some candid shots.

19. Answer surveys

You know those surveys at the end of customer service calls or the ones they give you on the bottom of receipts? Take the time to answer them if you received stellar service. We’re often so quick to complain about bad business and experiences yet slow to acknowledge when someone does a good job. The next time you actually have a pleasant conversation with the insurance representative, stay on the line to complete the survey. Or better yet, when the opportunity presents itself speak to a manager and let them know the person you dealt with was great. Who knows? You could be the reason someone gets a raise.

20. Ask for help

I know asking for help isn’t easy for everyone and that some people actually do go to therapy for this problem, but I’m sure there are simple areas where you can ask for assistance.  You are not a one-man or one-woman show. Thinking that you are will likely make you grow tired, bitter, and overwhelmed. Plus, people do enjoy helping others. It helps foster connection, trust, and community. Letting go of the need to do everything on your own will alleviate some pressure from your life and most definitely help you be a better person. Start small, but asking for help picking a new cookbook on a Facebook group or ask a loved one to help carry in the groceries.

21. Visit new places

Being a better person means having the ability to understand people from other walks of life. When you see where people come from, how they live and where they struggle, you are put in a position to help, do good and build community. With the ongoing pandemic, it’s not so easy to travel far. However, you can read books and blogs about life in other places and explore neighborhoods within driving distance that are different than your own. And while there, take the time to learn more about those places without passing judgment so you can truly broaden your horizons. One of my favorite ways to learn about other people and places is through the Instagram page, Humans of NY I highly recommend the book,Humans,  inspired by the social media page,

22. Notice the unnoticed

Pay attention to the people the world often ignores. For example, the homeless, disabled, minorities, and special needs community are often pushed aside by society. Learn more about them, and do it on a normal day and not just because it’s a holiday. So learn about Epilepsy on days besides Epilepsy Awareness Month. Learn about Autism on days outside of Autism Awareness Month. Learn about Black history on days besides Black History Month.  Learn about Rare Diseases on days other than Rare Disease Day. The list goes on. Our knowledge of special and diverse communities shouldn’t be limited to one day. And being a better person means expanding your knowledge of them to help create a more inclusive world every day. There are so many groups that are so used to going unnoticed. Imagine how whole they’ll feel if someone would only notice them AND were aware of what they need to feel comfortable. You could be that someone. You could be that better person.

23. Ask. Don’t assume

Our previous experiences help us create judgements and make decisions to navigate this world. Unfortunately, those decisions are sometimes based on false assumptions and they don’t always steer us in the right direction. Sometimes they cause us to get defensive, lash out and unintentionally hurt people. How many times have you wrongly told someone off because your initial reaction was to act not ask? Next time you feel unsettled or unsure about something, simply ask. You might be surprised about how many impasses are avoided and how much lighter you’ll feel when you let that curiosity guide you. Imagine how much we would have learned the last two years if more people asked questions about politics, diversity, and healthcare rather than just assuming the gossip we heard was true.

24. Shop Local

The last two years have shown us that opportunities are not dispersed evenly, especially when it comes to small businesses and those run by women, Black Americans or other minorities. And they are likely the ones who struggled the most throughout the pandemic while big box companies such as Amazon and Walmart continued to thrive. Ditch the large corporations for a bit and shop your local farmers market, visit the flea market and patronize the small coffee shop over Starbucks for a bit. Sure, it may cost a bit more but, it’s often harder for smaller businesses to get the same discounts as large retailers. You can feel good knowing your purchase likely helped a business owner support their family or give back to the community rather than lining another billionaire CEO’s pocket. Plus, the more you shop local the more you help protect the environment as it cuts down on emissions from transporting products globally. So that’s double points on the “be a good person” tally. And if you don’t have the money to shop local, there are several free ways for you to support local businesses.

25. Set boundaries

Being a better person is so much easier once you find your balance and peace. Unfortunately, so many of us suck at protecting that peace so we find ourselves, frustrated, overwhelmed, resentful and triggered. While it may sounds confrontational, it doesn’t have to be. You can start small. If you know you’re at your when you have lunch at noon, set your email responder for that time (don’t even think about reading them) to keep that lunch break sacred. Of if you have controlling family members you can be intentional about waiting to share big life updates or news until you are

26. Keep that chair clear

I know I’m not the only one with a chair in the bedroom with a pile of clothes on them. Usually they’re clothes I have been worn before but not quit dirty enough to throw in the laundry. If you’ve got one, create a night time routine that includes routinely putting those clothes in a designated spot that’s out of the way. This label from Etsy that says, “Wore it once and don’t wanna hang it back up” for laundry baskets could solve the problem of that chair clutter. Somehow when you’re bedroom is less cluttered, your mind is less cluttered freeing you up to do even more good for yourself and those around you.

27. Learn about climate change

I’m a bit ashamed to admit that while I always knew about global warming and believed in climate change I didn’t do much about it. Now, we’re in so deep and I’m finally starting to pay more attention. Saving the planet from the climit crisis isn’t only a job for elected officials to handle. There are things individuals can do too. The more you learn about the issue, the more you’ll be inclined to not only make yourself happy, but make the earth happy too. And when you start taking small steps to protect the earth, you’ll most definitely be heading towards being the better person you imagined.

28. Compliment often

And while you’re at it, say some good things about others too. Whether it’s a stranger in passing in the grocery store with a great a haircut or a friend who you admire, let them know at the soonest opportunity. It’s not strange or awkward. It’s simply an opportunity to show appreciation for others. The recipient will feel better knowing they’re noticed, and you’ll feel better knowing you made someone feel special.

29. Work on your morning routine

Having better days and being a better person can sometimes all come down to your morning routine. It’s so much easier to have a good day and feel good, if you start the day with the right tone. For me, that means doing something for myself before I start doing things for my kids. And it can be something as simple as taking 5 deep breathes and doing a shoulder roll before checking your emails or getting the kids ready for the school. Whatever it is, be mindful about how you want your mornings to look and make sure it’s something you can realistically do. Setting yourself up for failure by constructing a 1 hour long morning ritual when you only have 10 minutes of free time will not have you feeling like a better person when you consistenly fall short.

30. Find something to look forward to

 I think we could all do a better job of finding joy in the present moment. However, when the present is particularly challenging it helps to have something uplifiting to look forward to in the future to keep you going. When you know there are better days ahead it makes it easier stay motivated, pleasant and dare I say – feel like a better person. Whether it’s a fancy dinner at your favorite restaurant, a get together with some friends or even a trip to a bucket list destination, having something to look forward to helps you find hope in today. And when you feel hope in today and tomorrow you internalize that feeling making it easier for you to present your best self to the world. 

31. Stop over explaining yourself

It is extremely draining to explaining yourself to someone who doesn’t want to try to understand you or even listen to you. Plus, when you argue with a fool onlookers can’t tell the difference. Sometimes accepting that everyone won’t understand you and not needing others to validate you is the simpliest way to put your best foot forward. When faced with someone not willing to get it, simply say, “Ok” and keep it moving. You don’t need to explain yourself to people not worthy of an explanation.