137. The Benefit of Helping Others

Los Angeles is a weird place.

People move to LA to pursue their dreams. It’s a magnet that attracts the dreamers determined to conquer celebrity. Their sole focus, and all their effort, is to achieve that dream.

When I was a 20-something on the dating scene, it was hugely frustrating trying to meet women. It seemed the entire city was filled with self-centered egotists.

Whenever I’d meet somebody new, inevitably the first questions I’d get were “what do you do?” and “what type of car do you drive?”.

You think I’m joking, but I’m not. That’s what Los Angeles was like when I first moved here pre-Internet. It was utterly demeaning.

There was a clear lack of sincerity in human interaction. My only wish during those interactions was that I was in a position that could, in fact, help them in their career, but decided not to because of their insincerity and lack of authenticity.

Yes, those thoughts were sophomorically passive-aggressive, but they were partially positive. You see, I was wishing that I was in a position to help people. That’s a good thing. For better or worse, that’s my natural state - wanting to help people. (Every positive trait walks hand in hand with its negative opposite, but we’ll just focus on the positive today)

The Benefits of Helping Others

A genuine desire and focus on helping others is rare. I’m not saying everybody is self-centered, don’t get me wrong. I simply mean that it is so easy to get caught up in our own lives and our own struggles, that it’s easy to neglect spending time to help others.

One of the best ways to improve our self-worth and enhance our own emotional well-being, is to selflessly help other people.

The University College of London released a simple list outlining the 10 benefits of helping others. Here’s what they’ve said:

1. Helping others feels good.

It promotes physiological changes in the brain that are linked with happiness

2. It creates a sense of belonging.

It reduces loneliness and creates connectivity.

3. It enhances your sense of purpose and identity.

4. Giving helps keep things in perspective.

It can help make you feel more positive about your own circumstances.

5. It’s contagious.

Your acts of selfless generosity can inspire others to do the same.

6. Helping others can help you live longer

Giving your time to help others helps you manage stress and stave off disease.

7. It will give you a sense of renewal and remind you to help yourself.

8. You’ll boost your self-esteem.

The more regularly you selflessly give to others, the more confidence you’ll gain.

9. You’ll create stronger friendships

10. You become a glass half-full type person.

Experts have found that selfless giving makes people more optimistic and positive.

So tell me, what is one thing I can do to help you?

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