Summary:
The meaning and importance of helping, tips to be helpful to others
“He who sees a need and waits to be asked for help is as unkind as if he had refused it.” ― Dante Alighieri
On this blue marble, everyone needs help for one reason or the other. Some seek help while some spend more effort trying to hide it. Our lives are not written on rock and therefore won’t be going according to a script. Despite our sincerest efforts to take control of our lives, situations change and things break. In some cases, we can handle ourselves, but generally, getting help is as beneficial as giving help.
This world is made of different types of people, however for example’s sake, if we were to isolate certain strains then there are those who are always helpful and others who act only when commanded. In other words, the latter know exactly what’s expected of them and will act only after a task has been assigned to them. Meanwhile the prior is on a perpetual lookout for opportunities to contribute or help and make others’ life easy.
Of the two groups, the second group is more likely to have many positive long-lasting relationships. They are the kind who earn everyone’s goodwill. Whether you’ve met Mother Theresa or not, if you know about her you naturally have goodwill towards her. Not everyone can be so helpful but, being helpful in whatever little ways possible can make our personal and professional life more fulfilling.
There are numerous advantages to helping others as a student. Students receive a sense of purpose in their lives as well as the gratification of helping others. Assisting those in need gets us a sense of accomplishment and also increases our lifespan. In addition, by contributing at work, students grow in value. Hence helping anyone is a mutually beneficial experience. There are various methods for students to support one another, whether it be at home, at school, in the community, at work, or anywhere else.
Here Are Some Approaches Through Which You Can Genuinely Help Someone
1. Listen
The urge to help someone is good but not knowing how to provide it might become counterproductive. So, the best way to find out how to help is to let the other person speak. The more they talk, the greater understanding the students have of the problem. But bear in mind, in half of the cases, the person is not looking for help but rather only needs someone to speak to. Also, they are not seeking judgment or advice. Your listening to them is more like a therapy session with the psychiatrist.
2. It’s Not Personal
Empathy is good but taking things personally isn’t. Everyone is facing some bad luck in their life and so what they say or do may have nothing to do with you. But if you as a student take it personally, you will inevitably criticize the person by failing to understand the wider picture.
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Influence Positivity
You, as a student, might not pay enough attention to how others are impacted by your attitude. But by being positive in any challenge, you become approachable. This can help others in unfathomable ways. Aim to become a positive influence and soon you’ll see people gravitating towards you and seeking your leadership when least expected. Being helpful is not always a physical act.
4. Don’t Say “But”
The three dots at the end of a sentence is a “But”. The word has the potential to end communication and ideation. So, if you want to be helpful and friendly, use “Yes” instead of “But”. This is more necessary in a situation where someone is putting forth their idea. Being helpful is to affirm their belief and elevate the idea. By introducing “but”, you not only write it off but also emphasize more on your opinion than theirs.
5. Help a Stranger
Helping a stranger is an action that lasts a lifetime. Helping someone you know is always appreciated but to provide assistance going beyond your boundaries is especially meaningful.
