Your Recommended
Acts of Kindness
What is kindness? Think of it as an intentional act designed to benefit others – even if it costs you a little something. We call it the ABCs of kindness: Actions Benefiting others at a Cost to yourself. The bigger the benefit – whether it’s a smile or a life saved, and the greater the cost – whether time, money, or effort; the kinder the act.
The ratio of cost to benefit is how we measure the kindness of an act, and how we calculate your KQ. People with higher KQs are willing to pay larger cost to provide a benefit to others. Remember that your KQ may change depending on whom you’re helping. Here, we’re focusing on kindness to neighbors.
Below are some ideas for kind acts above your current KQ level. If they don’t feel quite right, go for something that still nudges you out of your comfort zone. Research shows that trying a bit more kindness boosts happiness, health, and social bonds. But don’t just take our word for it – try it yourself and see! Science says you’ll be glad you did.
0–59%
1
Get to know a neighbor by inviting them over for coffee.
2
Drop off a gift and nice note to a neighbor.
3
Double your favorite recipe and surprise a neighbor by sharing half.
60–69%
1
Spend a few hours helping a neighbor with yard work or a DIY project.
2
Give a giftcard to your neighbor for gas.
3
Give your neighbor a bouquet of flowers.
70–78%
1
Spend a day helping a neighbor with a tedious task or chore.
2
Find out your neighbors favorite meal and make it for them.
3
Cover the tab for a neighbor.
79–90%
1
Lend a sympathetic ear to a neighbor who wants to talk about their troubles.
2
Give a neighbor a ride to the airport (or wherever they need to go).
3
Help a neighbor buy something expensive that they really need.
91–97%
1
Help resolve a neighborhood dispute by organizing meetings and guiding challenging conversations.
2
Surprise a neighbor with a thoughtful and luxurious gift or experience.
3
Spend a week helping your neighbor with a home improvement project.
>98%
1
Take a day off to relax (e.g., sleep in, be in nature, read).
2
Give yourself a compliment.
3
Do a mindfulness or gratitude practice.
What Do I Do Next?
Learn about the science behind the KQ