personal statement about kindness

37 Personal Purpose Statement Examples & Ideas for 2024

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So much of life has gone by an, yet, I still have so much more I want to accomplish. I want people to know what I stand for and that I made a difference.

Have you ever felt like this? Like you need a roadmap for your life?

Well, a personal purpose statement is that roadmap .

In this post, I'll offer 37 personal purpose statement examples and tips that will help you write your own.

But first, let's start with a simple definition.

Table of Contents

What is a Personal Purpose Statement? 

A personal purpose statement defines what you want to accomplish in life. It gives you direction to accomplish what's important to you … as it reflects what you stand for, your goals and core values.

It's also commonly referred to as a personal mission statement, and is usually only one to two sentences long.

Think of it as your motto — even your brand. Once written, you can make sure your decisions and actions are in line with carrying out this purpose.

Benefits of Personal Purpose Statement

As humans, we are a product of our environment. We often take on the  values and beliefs of our parents or whoever raised us,  our current life situation… and can even be influenced to a certain degree by society at large.

A personal purpose statement requires you to  focus on your values, beliefs, goals, and purpose in life . You'll have to think about what's really important to you… not someone else. It's a self-discovery process.  It helps you realize who you are.

Coming up with a personal purpose statement requires you to realize your skills, talents, likes and dislikes . You may surprise yourself and arrive at a whole new level of self-appreciation.

As you're thinking about where you want to get to, you'll also consider where you are currently. It makes you mindful of what you have now, how you got it, and the people who played a role in that journey. This can give you a sense of gratefulness .

Once written, you can refer to this statement as a guide to making life decisions. It will help you know how to spend your time, and possibly even what professional and personal networks to build.

With your power statement, you'll know exactly what you want out of life and what you would like to contribute to the world. You'll know what you want your legacy to be. 

It's that roadmap I mentioned earlier. If you know you're trying to get to Detroit from Atlanta, you're not going to go in the direction of Florida. So, it not only helps you decide what direction to go in, it helps you know what not to do as well.  It keeps you on track.

Once your statement is written, you can center all of your decisions on making it happen.

You can avoid wasting your time making decisions and carrying out behaviors that do not provide what you really want out of life and want to contribute to the world.

For example, your statement can help you decide which classes to take in school, which job to choose, what projects or promotions to pursue at work and even where to live.  

It helps you realize who you are and stick to it, no matter what someone else may be doing or trying to persuade you to do.

I think most would agree that saying no can be hard. Your statement gives you something to refer to when you're on the fence about a decision or action.

You won't have to try and figure out on the spur of the moment if you should say no. Just think about or read your mission statement. Will saying yes bring you closer to its manifestation?

One of the most important things your personal purpose statement can do is help you continue to soldier forward, even in the face of adversities and set-backs.

It can be your guide to happiness. Once you know your purpose, you know what fulfills and completes you. You can always refer to it when things get hard or seem futile.

It keeps you hungry for your purpose because it's a constant reminder. Check out these personal purpose statement examples from successful people.  

You're on your way to being amongst the great!

How to Create a Personal Purpose Statement

Start by brainstorming. This means you’ll need to consider all ideas and exclude nothing. Once you've documented all of your thoughts… you can go back and eliminate, modify, and polish for your final statement.

Here are some things to think about and ask yourself:

Write down what's most important to you , what you value, and what you're passionate about.

What are you for and what are you against?

Who are you? Who do you want to be? 

What are your talents and strengths?

How do you want to change the world or what do you want your impact to be on the world ? 

What would you like others to say about you when you're no longer here? What do you want your legacy to be?

What are your professional and personal goals?

What do you need to accomplish your purpose, goals, or to become the person you want to be? Do you need a specific degree or skill?

Who are the people you want to affect? Who are the most important individuals to you,  and how do they fit in with your life purpose, values, beliefs, desired legacy? 

This article gives you nine life purpose examples that can help you realize what's most important to you.

Watch the video below to learn about the two ways you can find purpose in your life and explore and provide practical strategies you can use, so you can find more meaning with your daily routine.

Make your statement affirmative. Write what you want, not what you don't want. Most statements are written in the present tense, but I've seen some written in future tense, too.

It might sound like a daunting task to reduce your whole purpose on this earth to one to two sentences, but think of it as a guide or overarching statement. It's your umbrella.

Don't worry or think about the details of how you're going to get it. Now is the time to think about what you really want to achieve. 

If these starter questions aren't enough, this  Developgoodhabits.com article  goes into more depth and will help you think more deeply. 

The following personal purpose statement examples will help you get started. 

37 Personal Purpose Statement Examples and Ideas

Some of these are one-size-fits-all. Change a word or two to fit your purpose, or exchange the field used in the example for yours. For instance, “To provide legal services … ,” could be, “To provide social services, educational services, or healthcare services.”

• To motivate and inspire others to live a life where they are mentally and physically healthy, and have peace and contentment.
• I am dedicated to working on behalf of children, to bring them the resources they need for a healthy and prosperous present and future life.
• To bring more convenient and functional technology to the world that will improve the quality of life. 
• To lead by example, personifying my values of kindness, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, and hard work.
• To bring joy to the world through music and lyrics that inspire.
• I want to instill in others the self-love and confidence that gives them the self-efficacy to excel and make their dreams come true.
• To live each day to the fullest and appreciate, as well as learn and grow from every experience.
• To play a significant role in creating a company culture where all workers feel appreciated, so that they feel like their time with the company is a worthwhile investment in themselves, their families, and their future.
• To use my cooking skills to bring families and individuals nutritious, tasty food options.
• To appreciate and enjoy my family every day, by making decisions that put their best interests first.
• To create communication devices that free individuals up to spend more quality, in-person time with loved ones. I want to make devices that foster more work-life balance.
• To embrace my God-given talent, work hard to cultivate and enhance it, and be the best at what I do.
• To put forth the effort, discipline, and all that it takes to excel and be the best athlete.
• To gain the knowledge necessary to educate others on how to become financially independent, and empower individuals with that knowledge.
• To teach children about nutrition, the short and long-term benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and how to start and maintain such a lifestyle.
• To provide healthcare and hope to the suffering and their loved ones.

• To provide legal services that reduce social injustices and other disparities that exist due to the status quo.
• To provide legal services that give the disenfranchised and marginalized a voice.
• To create materials, services, or products that help girls and women achieve and maintain a healthy self-esteem.
• To empower marginalized young men by giving them the resources they need to overcome racial, educational, political, and socioeconomic barriers and injustices.
• To participate in the creation and enactment of laws that reduces the number of women and children negatively impacted by domestic violence.
• To make the world a better place for individuals with special needs, by participating in initiatives that focus on inclusivity and strengths recognition.
• I want to treat others as I want to be treated, forgive freely, and embrace and appreciate commonalities and differences. I want to be remembered as someone who brought more peace, understanding, and love to the world.
• To lead by example and be the loving, caring, forgiving human being God intended. To love my neighbor as I love myself and as God loves.
• To be a parent who meets my children's needs. To teach and show them that success is about being the best person you can be, treating everyone as you wish to be treated, and doing what makes you happy.
• To make sure the world always has transportation that is safe, reliable, and accessible.
• To build infrastructures that improve communities and the quality of life.
• To design transportation systems that put products in consumers' hands faster and more economically.
• To work with and serve the elderly in a way that makes them feel valued, needed, and like an integral part of a thriving society.
• To serve in a role where I identify the most vulnerable, and work to bring them resources that will help them gain physiological security. 
• To touch the world with my art, and be an outlet for others to express or feel that someone else is expressing their true vulnerabilities and feelings. My art will do more than entertain, it will make people feel supported and understood.
• To achieve the education required to serve the purpose God intended for me. With that education, I will give back to society generously, and remarkably leave the world in some concrete way better than it was before my contribution.
• I want to be an educator who helps students see learning as a fun part of their life that they look forward to experiencing.    
• To be a father who raises sons to be caring, loving, respectful, responsible men, protective of their loved ones, and daughters to be caring, loving, respectful, responsible women who know their value and will not compromise it.
• To be the best wife, mother, and professional, successful at creating a secure, loving life for my family and myself.
• To look at challenges or failures as stepping stones placed in my path so that when I do realize my full potential — my purpose — that purpose will be that much greater, better, and appreciated. To be a positive presence to others, to help them view life in the same way.
• I want to approach life with a spirit of happiness, laughter, and forgiveness.

Final Thoughts on Personal Purpose Statement Examples

This article was designed to inspire you to go after all you seek in life. All you want to do, see and be.

These ideas and templates are designed to get your personal-mission-statement wheels turning… so don't worry if you don't see yourself represented in every example.

If you're feeling like you can't capture your purpose in one statement, that's okay, too. You're defining you and your path on this earth. Your reason for being is unique, and you can have more than one !

Or, it may be that all of the personal purpose statement examples in the world won’t help… because you’re still struggling to find your why. If you feel you are in that situation, read this article on five steps for people struggling with their why.

There are also actionable steps you can take to help you find your purpose. Things like practicing mindfulness , self-care and journaling can work wonders to help you get to the bottom of things.

Finally, if you want to increase your happiness and life satisfaction, then watch this free video that details the 7-minute habit for planning your day to focus on what's important .

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Be True. Be Strong. Be Focused.

Your Guide to Creating a Personal Purpose Statement

July 27, 2023

When you’re connected to your purpose, life feels like a wonderful gift. 

It allows you to be resilient, move through every day with a sense of inner wisdom, optimism, and contentment, and see the beauty in the small things.

But when you don’t know your purpose , life can feel, well, empty – full of hardship and a nagging feeling that something is missing . 

If you’ve felt this way before, you’re not alone. Many of my clients – including high-performing entrepreneurs and accomplished professionals with multiple degrees – have deeply questioned the meaning of their lives.

What I’ve learned is that this feeling of discontentment isn’t something to fear. It’s actually an invitation to uncover your badass purpose and step into the best version of you! 

Studies have discovered that people with a sense of purpose are happier, more resilient, and filled with hope. On top of that, they tend to live longer and often enjoy higher incomes. Clearly, there’s a lot to gain by discovering your purpose. 

Okay, Lyn, I hear you say, having a sense of purpose sounds great – but how do I find it?

By creating your personal purpose statement.

Come, let me show you how.

What Is a Personal Purpose Statement?

Your personal purpose statement is the driving force behind your actions. It’s a sentence that encapsulates the language of your soul and helps you live your life as your authentic self.

Uncovering this statement is like embarking on a personal adventure of discovery, and it deserves your time and effort.

Everyone’s personal purpose statement is going to sound different, and it might take people different lengths of time to truly refine it.

Look at me, for example; I didn’t find my personal purpose statement until my thirties. Using one of the exercises I’ll show you below, I developed this draft for my life’s purpose: “I am an agent for goodness.” 

Later, in my fifties, I took another assessment, and one line in the report perfectly captured the combination of my top strengths: “I am here to enliven and enlarge your vision of who you are and what you can achieve with who you are.”

I check in with this purpose statement often and use it to guide my day-to-day decisions and actions – who I should spend my time with, or what course of action I should take for a specific business decision.

Now that we know what a personal purpose statement is, let me show you a number of exercises to help you discover yours.

How to Write a Personal Purpose Statement: 3 Easy Exercises

Don’t overcomplicate it.

A personal mission statement sounds like a big deal, but it really doesn’t need to be overly extravagant or embellished.

When crafting your personal purpose statement, draw from your intentions and interests, think about your dreams , and channel what sparks your happiness. 

Before starting, it’s worth noting that your purpose statement can change several times throughout your life. 

So don’t put too much pressure on yourself to get it perfect the first time – it’s meant to be a joyful task of compassionate self-exploration rather than a competition to hit the mark precisely!

With that said, here are three different exercises you can use to uncover your personal mission statement.

1. Reflection

Look back at any past assessments you’ve taken such as the Myers-Briggs test, DISC assessment, or Enneagram test. See if any sentences jump out at you as potential purpose statements. Jot them down on a pad of paper.

Reflect on your childhood and think about activities that made you lose track of time and exhilarate you. Add those items to the notes you’ve already taken.

Look for patterns among the items you’ve listed. Do any of them overlap and represent an aspect of your identity that you’d like to embrace as part of your purpose?

2. Purpose Attachment

Take a small event or a specific section of your life and attach a purpose to it. This could be a recent vacation, a creative project, or time you spent with friends. 

Identify your overall intention for that event.

Think about the parts of that event that interest you the most.

Combine your thoughts into a mission statement. Here are a few examples to inspire you:

• “To create lasting memories and deepen connections during this vacation.”
• “To bring joy and relaxation to my weekend by engaging in activities that rejuvenate my spirit.”
• “To transform my living space through a creative and fulfilling room repainting project.”

3. Hard-Hitting Questions

Here’s a more soul-busting way to uncover your purpose. It consists of asking yourself some pretty deep questions and embarking on a quest to formulate your life purpose statement. 

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What would you do if you never had to worry about earning money? Imagine beyond the initial excitement and think about how you would spend your time in the long run.
• What topics make you so passionate that you would engage in a heated debate with strangers? 
• What fears do you have about being judged by others? Are they stopping you from pursuing dreams that would enrich your life? 
• Can you envision a bold, fearless version of yourself? What is the vision that includes doing daring things?

Once you have your answers, play around with them and try to write at least three different purpose statements. 

Personal Mission Statement Examples

With these simple exercises, I want you to be gentle with yourself. Stay curious, lean into your creativity, and explore your inner world with courage and kindness. 

To help inspire you to come up with your own, here are some examples of personal mission statements: 

• ​​To empower others to unlock their full potential and live purpose-driven life.
• To inspire positive change in the world through creativity and innovation.
• To promote health and wellness in individuals and communities.
• To advocate for equal rights and social justice for all.
• To educate and empower underprivileged children through access to quality education.
• To foster environmental sustainability and protect the planet for future generations.
• To be a compassionate and caring advocate for those in need.
• To lead by example and inspire others to lead fulfilling and balanced lives.
• To bring joy and happiness to people’s lives through my artistic expression.
• To build meaningful and authentic relationships based on trust and respect.
• To continuously learn and grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
• To promote financial literacy and empower individuals to achieve financial independence.
• To be a loving and supportive partner, parent, and family member.
• To be a lifelong learner and share knowledge with others.
• To be a catalyst for personal and professional growth in others.
• To use my skills and resources to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of marginalized communities.
• To be a compassionate listener and support others in their journey of self-discovery and healing.
• To champion diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of life.
• To be an advocate for mental health awareness and destigmatization.
• To leave a legacy of kindness, empathy, and positive change.
• To be a role model and mentor for aspiring leaders.
• To foster creativity and innovation in education.
• To create beautiful and meaningful art that evokes emotion and inspires others.
• To promote animal welfare and be a voice for those who cannot speak.
• To lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle, prioritizing self-care and well-being.
• To bring hope and happiness to individuals facing adversity.
• To be a lifelong advocate for personal and environmental sustainability.
• To serve my community and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
• To use my platform to raise awareness and support for important social causes.

It’s Time to Boldly State Your Purpose

Uncovering your purpose can feel daunting, but it’s already within you, waiting to be discovered. 

In my new book, I give you all the tools you need to discover your purpose, boost your confidence, and find lasting fulfillment.

Get your copy today and start reaching for the purpose-filled, badass life of your dreams!

About Lyn Christian

Hi there, I'm Lyn . My purpose is to support you to earn a living and live your life by doing what inspires you. To accomplish this, I work as a coach, consultant, TEDx speaker, author and founder of SoulSalt Inc.

Personal Growth

The power of kindness: cultivating happiness, connection, and personal growth.

They say that kindness is like a ripple in a pond, spreading far and wide. And it’s true – the power of kindness can have a profound impact on our lives, cultivating happiness, connection, and personal growth.

In this article, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of kindness, from reducing stress to promoting trust and connection. We’ll delve into how kindness is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history and how it can be developed through practice and empathy.

So, let’s dive in and discover the transformative power of kindness together.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Acts of kindness reduce stress and promote trust and connection.
• Kindness is linked to increased happiness, life satisfaction, and improved mental and physical health.
• Kindness fosters positive relationships, builds trust, enhances well-being, and creates a ripple effect of compassion.
• Kindness empowers individuals to build strong connections, support others, and showcase resilience and courage.

The Benefits

Kindness brings a multitude of benefits. It reduces stress, promotes trust and connection, and leads to increased happiness, life satisfaction, and improved mental and physical health.

The role of kindness in reducing stress is significant. Acts of kindness activate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps to reduce stress and promote feelings of well-being. When we engage in kind actions, our bodies produce less cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to a calmer state of mind.

Moreover, research has shown a strong connection between kindness and improved mental health. Acts of kindness increase positive emotions, such as joy and gratitude, while reducing negative emotions like anger and anxiety. Kindness also fosters social connections and a sense of belonging, which are essential for maintaining good mental health.

Therefore, practicing kindness not only benefits others but also enhances our own well-being.

Understanding Kindness

Understanding the concept of kindness involves recognizing its evolutionary roots and the ability to cultivate it through practice and empathy.

Kindness is not just a random act, but a conscious choice to extend warmth, compassion, generosity, and empathy towards others. It is through kindness that we connect with one another and build communities.

Kindness and empathy go hand in hand, as empathy allows us to understand and share the feelings of others, while kindness motivates us to take action and make a positive impact.

By practicing kindness, we not only enhance our own well-being, but also foster positive relationships and create a ripple effect of compassion.

Kindness has the power to bring people together, promote understanding, and combat negativity. It transcends cultural and social barriers, fostering unity and compassion in humanity.

Engaging in acts of kindness has the potential to create a ripple effect of positivity and foster a sense of unity and compassion in communities. Kindness plays a vital role in community building by promoting empathy and understanding among individuals.

When we show kindness towards others, we not only uplift their spirits but also inspire them to pass on the kindness to others. This creates a chain reaction, where small acts of kindness multiply and create a collective impact.

Kindness has the power to bridge gaps and break down barriers, bringing people together from different backgrounds and cultures. It fosters a sense of belonging and connection, leading to stronger and more supportive communities.

By practicing kindness and spreading positivity, we contribute to the creation of a more compassionate and harmonious world.

Kindness in Education

Incorporating kindness into education has the potential to transform students’ well-being, foster empathy, and improve social relationships. Promoting empathy, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution in education is crucial for creating a positive and supportive learning environment.

By teaching and modeling kindness, educators can help students understand and respond to the needs of others, enhancing their emotional intelligence and empathy skills. Building a culture of kindness in schools and classrooms involves creating opportunities for students to practice acts of kindness, such as random acts of kindness challenges or kindness projects.

This not only cultivates a sense of belonging and connection among students but also fosters a supportive and inclusive community. By prioritizing kindness in education, we can empower students to navigate relationships, resolve conflicts, and contribute positively to their personal growth and the well-being of others.

Kindness and Personal Growth

Practicing acts of kindness allows me to expand my capacity for empathy and compassion, fostering positive relationships and personal development.

Kindness plays a vital role in self-improvement, as it enables me to grow and develop as an individual. By showing kindness towards others, I not only create a positive impact on their lives but also cultivate a sense of resilience within myself.

Kindness teaches me to respond to challenging situations with empathy and understanding, allowing me to navigate through life’s obstacles with grace and compassion.

Additionally, acts of kindness create a ripple effect, inspiring others to reciprocate and contribute to a more compassionate society.

Through practicing kindness, I am able to enhance my personal growth, build strong connections, and create a supportive network that propels me towards opportunities for further development.

Cultivating Kindness

By embracing acts of kindness, I am able to foster a sense of empathy and compassion within myself. Engaging in a kindness practice not only benefits others but also brings about personal growth and fulfillment. Acts of kindness can take various forms, from simple gestures like offering a helping hand to more significant acts of generosity. These acts not only create positive ripples in the lives of others but also have a profound impact on my own well-being. Kindness practice allows me to cultivate empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the needs and experiences of others. It helps me develop stronger connections and build a supportive network that contributes to my personal growth. The table below highlights the transformative power of acts of kindness:

Through acts of kindness, I am able to create a positive ripple effect of compassion and contribute to a world that is more empathetic and caring.

Kindness in Relationships

Engaging in acts of kindness strengthens the bonds and nurtures the connections within my relationships. Building trust is an essential aspect of any relationship, and kindness plays a significant role in establishing and maintaining that trust.

When I show kindness to others, it creates a sense of safety and reliability, allowing them to feel comfortable and secure in our relationship. Kindness also fosters empathy, as it requires me to understand and respond to the needs and emotions of others.

By practicing kindness, I am able to put myself in their shoes and offer support and compassion. This empathy helps me build deeper connections with others and enhances my ability to communicate and relate to their experiences.

Overall, kindness is a powerful tool in building trust and fostering empathy within my relationships.

Kindness Meditation

Participating in loving-kindness meditation allows me to cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy towards myself and others. The benefits of kindness meditation are numerous. It helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of trust and connection.

By practicing kindness meditation, I am able to increase my happiness, life satisfaction, and overall mental and physical health.

There are various techniques for practicing kindness meditation. One technique involves focusing on specific phrases or intentions, such as ‘May I be happy, may I be peaceful, may I be kind.’ This helps to cultivate feelings of self-love and compassion.

Another technique involves visualizing a loved one or someone who may be experiencing suffering and sending them loving-kindness and well wishes. This practice helps to expand our capacity for empathy and compassion towards others.

Overall, kindness meditation is a powerful tool for cultivating happiness, connection, and personal growth. It allows me to develop a deep sense of empathy and compassion, not only towards myself but also towards others, creating a ripple effect of positivity and goodwill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can acts of kindness really reduce stress and promote trust and connection.

Acts of kindness reduce stress and promote trust and connection. Kindness serves as a tool for conflict resolution and building bridges between individuals and communities, enhancing workplace productivity and teamwork.

How does kindness contribute to improved mental and physical health?

Kindness contributes to improved mental and physical health by boosting overall well-being and strengthening the immune system. Acts of kindness reduce stress, promote trust, and create positive connections, leading to a healthier and happier life.

What are the evolutionary roots of kindness and how can it be cultivated through practice and empathy?

The evolutionary origins of kindness can be traced back to our social nature as humans. Through empathy and practice, we can cultivate kindness by developing our ability to understand and respond to the needs of others.

What are some examples of behaviors that demonstrate kindness?

Examples of behaviors that demonstrate kindness include offering a helping hand, showing empathy and compassion towards others, giving compliments, actively listening, and performing random acts of kindness. These actions benefit both the giver and receiver, fostering connection and happiness.

How does kindness foster positive relationships and build trust, and how can it create a ripple effect of compassion?

Kindness fosters positive relationships and builds trust by promoting empathy. It creates a ripple effect of compassion as acts of kindness inspire others to spread kindness. In the workplace, kindness enhances relationships and boosts teamwork.

In conclusion, kindness is a powerful force that brings happiness, connection, and personal growth into our lives. Research shows that acts of kindness reduce stress, promote trust and connection, and increase happiness and life satisfaction.

One interesting statistic is that a study found that people who engage in regular acts of kindness have 23% less cortisol, the stress hormone, in their bodies. By cultivating kindness in our daily lives, we can create a positive ripple effect that benefits both ourselves and those around us.

So let’s choose kindness and make the world a better place.

Say hello to Cypress, the soulful wordsmith behind the insightful articles at OurMindAndBody.com . Cypress is a gifted writer who weaves words with grace and precision, using language as a powerful tool to inspire, heal, and uplift the spirits of readers.

With a background in literature and a passion for personal growth, Cypress brings a unique perspective to the world of well-being and spirituality. Having experienced the transformative effects of meditation and yoga firsthand, Cypress is deeply connected to the essence of these practices and their potential to enrich lives.

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Say hello to Cypress, the soulful wordsmith behind the insightful articles at OurMindAndBody.com . Cypress is a gifted writer who weaves words with grace and precision, using language as a powerful tool to inspire, heal, and uplift the spirits of readers. With a background in literature and a passion for personal growth, Cypress brings a unique perspective to the world of well-being and spirituality. Having experienced the transformative effects of meditation and yoga firsthand, Cypress is deeply connected to the essence of these practices and their potential to enrich lives.

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Finding and sustaining motivation for success.

Are you tired of feeling stuck and unmotivated in your pursuit of success? Well, buckle up because I’ve got the secret to finding and sustaining the motivation you need to achieve your goals.

It’s time to unleash your inner superstar and tap into a wellspring of endless inspiration. From setting small goals to rewarding yourself along the way, I’ll show you how to keep that fire burning bright.

So, get ready to embark on a transformative journey as we uncover the keys to unlocking your full potential and living a life of success and fulfillment.

• Setting small goals and breaking down big goals into smaller tasks helps maintain motivation and makes progress more achievable.
• Regularly rewarding yourself for achievements and celebrating milestones boosts motivation and morale.
• Taking breaks and maintaining focus are important for preventing burnout, increasing productivity, and staying on track.
• Visualizing success and having an accountability partner can enhance motivation and commitment to success.

Finding Motivation

I find motivation by setting small goals and rewarding myself. Taking breaks and visualizing success also help keep me motivated. Additionally, finding an accountability partner has been a game-changer for me. Having someone to share my goals with and hold me accountable keeps me motivated and pushes me to strive for success. We support and encourage each other, celebrating our achievements together. It’s amazing how having someone by your side can make all the difference.

So, if you’re looking to find motivation, start by setting small goals and finding an accountability partner. You’ll be amazed at how far you can go!

Sustaining Motivation

To maintain a high level of motivation, it is important to continuously set new goals and regularly reward myself for achievements. However, sustaining motivation can be challenging, especially when faced with obstacles along the way. But I believe that with the right mindset and strategies, I can overcome any hurdle.

Here are five key ways to maintain motivation and overcome obstacles:

Stay focused: Keep your eyes on the prize and remind yourself of why you started in the first place.

Find support: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can cheer you on and offer guidance when needed.

Stay resilient: Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and use them to fuel your determination.

Break it down: Divide big goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make progress more achievable.

Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and celebrate every milestone along the way to keep yourself motivated and inspired.

Remember, maintaining motivation is a journey, and it is within your power to stay motivated and overcome any obstacles that come your way.

Achieving Goals

Achieving goals requires careful planning and consistent effort. It’s not enough to simply set a goal; you must also develop effective strategies to reach it.

One important strategy is to break your goal down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This allows you to track your progress and stay motivated along the way.

Additionally, it’s important to anticipate and overcome any obstacles that may arise. Whether it’s lack of time, resources, or support, you must be prepared to overcome these challenges and stay focused on your goal.

Remember, success is not always a straight path; there will be ups and downs. But with determination and perseverance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Stay focused, stay motivated, and never give up on your dreams.

How can I overcome procrastination and stay motivated?

To overcome procrastination, I remind myself of a hungry lion chasing its prey. I break tasks into smaller, manageable steps, reward myself for progress, and stay focused on my goals. Maintaining motivation requires discipline and perseverance.

What are some strategies for staying motivated during challenging times?

During challenging times, I find motivation by setting small achievable goals, rewarding myself, taking breaks, visualizing success, and finding an accountability partner. These strategies help me stay motivated during remote work and in the face of uncertainty.

How do I find motivation when I feel overwhelmed or burnt out?

When I feel overwhelmed or burnt out, I find motivation by visualizing my goals and imagining the sense of accomplishment I’ll feel. I combat fatigue by taking breaks, rewarding myself, and seeking support from others.

What are some effective ways to maintain long-term motivation and avoid burnout?

To maintain long-term motivation and avoid burnout, I focus on building resilience by setting realistic goals, celebrating successes, and taking care of myself. Additionally, seeking support from others helps me stay motivated and overcome challenges.

How can I stay motivated when facing setbacks or failures in achieving my goals?

When setbacks or failures occur, it’s important to remember that they are just stepping stones towards success. Embrace the lessons learned, stay focused on your goals, and let the fire of determination burn brighter than ever before.

In conclusion, finding and sustaining motivation for success is a lifelong journey. It requires perseverance, self-belief, and a commitment to personal growth.

By setting small goals, rewarding ourselves, and visualizing success, we can stay motivated and track our progress. It’s important to ask for help when needed, celebrate our successes, and prioritize self-care.

Remember, success is not just about achieving goals, but also about maintaining a happy and fulfilling life. So, let’s continue to invest in ourselves, surround ourselves with positivity, and live each day with gratitude.

Together, we can reach new heights and create the life we’ve always dreamed of.

Meet Kiran, the guiding light of wisdom behind the empowering content at OurMindAndBody.com . As a talented and compassionate writer, Kiran weaves words with grace and insight, sharing profound knowledge and practical advice to inspire positive transformations in the lives of readers.

With a background in psychology and a deep-rooted passion for well-being, Kiran brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to her writing. Her journey into the realm of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga began as a personal quest for self-discovery and healing. Having experienced the profound benefits of these practices firsthand, Kiran is committed to empowering others to embark on their own journeys of self-exploration and growth.

Nighttime Meditation: Enhancing Relaxation, Improving Sleep, And Nurturing Spiritual Growth

Did you know that nighttime meditation can enhance relaxation, improve sleep quality, and nurture spiritual growth? It’s true!

By creating a serene meditation space, free from distractions, we can find a peaceful atmosphere to practice. Whether it’s setting up a designated area or incorporating calming elements like candles or incense, there are many ways to create the perfect ambiance.

In this article, we will explore different forms of meditation, techniques for deepening our practice, and the profound insights and inner peace that can be experienced through regular nighttime meditation.

• Nighttime meditation can enhance relaxation and promote a peaceful mind before bedtime.
• It can improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances.
• Nighttime meditation nurtures spiritual growth and helps in awakening inner wisdom.
• It releases daily stress and tension, promoting emotional well-being and inner peace.

What is it?

Nighttime meditation is a practice that involves dedicating regular time before bed to create a peaceful and serene space. This practice aims to enhance relaxation, improve sleep quality, and nurture spiritual growth. The benefits of nighttime meditation are numerous. It helps release daily stress, promoting a peaceful mind before bedtime. By winding down and preparing for sleep through meditation, we can experience a deeper sense of relaxation and improved sleep quality.

There are various techniques that can be used during nighttime meditation. These techniques include focusing on the breath, releasing judgments and embracing acceptance, and exploring mindfulness, visualization, and chanting. By incorporating these techniques, we can deepen our meditation practice and bring ourselves closer to our spiritual selves.

Through consistent dedication, nighttime meditation can nurture spiritual growth. This practice allows the divine within us to awaken and guides us towards profound insights and inner peace.

Creating a Serene Space

When preparing for meditation, I find it important to create a serene space that is free from distractions and filled with calming elements. Designing a designated meditation area helps create a peaceful atmosphere for practice. I like to find a quiet corner in my home and set up a comfortable cushion or mat where I can sit or lie down comfortably. To enhance the serenity of my meditation space, I incorporate essential elements such as candles or incense. These elements help create a soothing ambiance and promote relaxation. I also make sure the space is free from clutter and any distractions, allowing me to fully focus on my practice. Creating this serene space is essential for me to fully immerse myself in the meditation experience and cultivate a peaceful mind before bedtime.

Different Forms

I find it beneficial to explore different forms of meditation to enhance my practice.

One form that I particularly enjoy is meditating with music. The soothing melodies and rhythms help me to relax and dive deeper into a meditative state. I often choose instrumental music or nature sounds to create a peaceful ambiance.

Another form that I have recently discovered is meditating while sleeping. This involves setting an intention before going to bed and allowing my subconscious mind to process and integrate it during sleep. I find that this form of meditation not only helps me to unwind and let go of the day’s stresses, but it also enhances my dream experiences.

Whether I choose to meditate with music or while sleeping, incorporating different forms into my practice adds variety and depth to my spiritual journey.

How long should I meditate at night for optimal relaxation and sleep improvement?

For optimal relaxation and sleep improvement, it is recommended to meditate at night for around 15-30 minutes. This ideal meditation duration allows enough time to unwind, quiet the mind, and prepare for a peaceful night’s rest.

Can I meditate in bed, or should I have a designated meditation area?

I find that having a designated meditation area creates a sacred space for my practice, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the present moment. However, meditating in bed can also be beneficial for relaxation and winding down before sleep.

What are some additional elements I can incorporate into my meditation space to enhance relaxation and spiritual growth?

To enhance relaxation and spiritual growth in my meditation space, I can incorporate elements like soft lighting, calming colors, and soothing music. Using essential oils like lavender or chamomile can also promote relaxation and create a peaceful atmosphere.

Is it normal to fall asleep during nighttime meditation, and if so, how can I maintain a balance between relaxation and falling asleep?

Yes, it is normal to sometimes fall asleep during nighttime meditation. To maintain focus and overcome restlessness, I set intentions and repeat affirmations. This helps me stay present and deepens my practice.

How can I incorporate nighttime meditation into my daily routine to consistently nurture spiritual growth and inner peace?

To consistently nurture spiritual growth and inner peace, I incorporate nighttime meditation into my daily routine. I focus on the benefits of nighttime meditation and use techniques for deep relaxation, such as breath focus and mindfulness.

In conclusion, nighttime meditation is a powerful practice that can truly transform our lives. By dedicating time to creating a serene space and exploring different forms of meditation, we can enhance relaxation, improve sleep, and nurture our spiritual growth.

Through the techniques of focusing on the breath, releasing judgments, and embracing acceptance, we can deepen our practice and experience profound insights. By allowing the divine within us to awaken, we can find inner peace and a sense of connection to something greater.

So, let us embrace the magic of nighttime meditation and embark on a journey of self-discovery and tranquility.

Inexpensive Thank You Gift Ideas: Personalized, Homemade, Plants, Practical, And Entertainment Options

Picture this: you want to express your gratitude, but your budget is tight. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this article, I’ll share a variety of inexpensive thank you gift ideas that are sure to make a lasting impression.

From personalized treasures to homemade delights, plants to practical goodies, and even entertainment packs, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive in and explore these creative and thoughtful options that won’t break the bank.

Get ready to spread some gratitude!

• Personalized gifts, such as cards and jewelry, can be a thoughtful and inexpensive way to show appreciation.
• Homemade gifts, like treats and DIY crafts, can be unique and heartfelt options for thank you gifts.
• Plants, such as succulents or herb gardens, are low-maintenance and long-lasting gifts that can bring joy to the recipient.
• Practical gifts, such as customized mugs or kitchen gadgets, can be both useful and thoughtful thank you gifts.

Personalized Gifts

I love personalized gifts because they add a special touch to show my appreciation. Personalized gift options allow me to create unique and meaningful keepsakes for the people I want to thank.

One of my favorite personalized gifts is a personalized card. I enjoy choosing a design that reflects the recipient’s personality and adding a heartfelt message inside.

Another great option is personalized keychains. I can have the person’s name or initials engraved on a keychain, making it a practical and personalized accessory.

Lastly, personalized journals are a fantastic gift for someone who enjoys writing or journaling. I can customize the cover with their name or a special message, and they can use it to document their thoughts and memories.

Personalized gifts truly make the recipient feel special and loved.

Homemade Gifts

Homemade gifts can include items such as homemade food or homemade candles. DIY crafts are a great way to show someone you care, as they are unique handmade presents.

When it comes to homemade food, you can create delicious treats like cookies, jams, or even a homemade soup mix. Not only will the recipient appreciate the effort you put into making something from scratch, but they will also enjoy the tasty treat.

Homemade candles are another thoughtful gift idea, as they can be personalized with different scents and colors. You can experiment with different wax types and add your own unique touch with decorative elements like dried flowers or glitter.

These homemade gifts are not only cost-effective, but they also show that you took the time to create something special just for them.

Plants and Aromatherapy

One option that I find intriguing is exploring the world of plants and aromatherapy. Plants not only serve as beautiful decor but also have numerous benefits for our well-being. They can improve air quality, reduce stress, and boost productivity. Aromatherapy, on the other hand, involves using essential oils to promote relaxation and improve mood. It can be done through diffusers, massage oils, or even in the form of scented candles. The combination of plants and aromatherapy can create a serene and calming environment, making it a perfect thank you gift for someone who could use a little relaxation and self-care. To help you visualize the options, here is a table showcasing some popular plants and essential oils for aromatherapy:

With these options, you can create a personalized plant and aromatherapy gift set that will surely be appreciated.

How can personalized gifts add a special touch to a thank you gift?

Personalized gifts add a special touch to thank you gifts by showing thought and effort. They allow you to create something unique and meaningful, making the recipient feel appreciated and valued. Personalization adds a personal touch to the gift, making it more memorable and cherished.

Are there any specific tips for creating homemade food gifts for thank you gestures?

When it comes to creating homemade food gifts for thank you gestures, getting creative with the packaging is key. From mason jars filled with cookies to beautifully wrapped bread loaves, the presentation adds an extra touch of thoughtfulness to your delicious gift.

What are the benefits of giving potted plants as thank you gifts?

Giving potted plants as thank you gifts provides numerous benefits. They add beauty to any space, improve air quality, and promote relaxation. Additionally, creative ways to personalize thank you gifts include painting the pots or adding custom plant markers.

How can aromatherapy kits enhance the thank you gift experience?

Aromatherapy kits can enhance the thank you gift experience by providing a relaxing and rejuvenating spa-like experience. With the right essential oils and accessories, recipients can create their own DIY spa treatments for a truly indulgent and personalized gift.

Can you suggest any unique and practical gift ideas for expressing gratitude?

For expressing gratitude, consider unique experiences like a cooking class or a spa day. Practical gadgets like a multi-tool or a portable phone charger can also be great gifts that show appreciation.

In conclusion, when it comes to showing gratitude, inexpensive thank you gift ideas can go a long way in making someone feel appreciated.

Personalized gifts add a special touch, allowing you to tailor the gift to the recipient’s interests and personality.

Homemade gifts show effort and care, making them extra meaningful.

Plants and aromatherapy bring a sense of nature and relaxation to any space.

Practical gifts like coffee mugs or gift cards are always useful and appreciated.

And lastly, entertainment gifts provide a fun and enjoyable experience.

As the saying goes, ‘It’s the thought that counts,’ and these thoughtful and budget-friendly gift options truly embody that sentiment.

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As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

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Kindness Quotes: Inspirational Quotes About Love, Generosity, Compassion & Humility

40 Powerful & Inspirational KIndness Quotes To Help You Become a More Loving, Generous, Compassionate and Humble Person

Kindness is one of those attributes that makes a person beautiful. People who are kind go out of their way to help others not because they have to, but because it’s the right thing to do.

Genuinely good people do random acts of kindness in silence, without expecting anything in return. When you think about becoming the best version of yourself, this type of behavior should be among the first things to consider and the following kindness quotes are testimony of that.

The best quotes on kindness

It is important to be empathetic and kind to others. When there are so many people suffering in the world, kindness can open doors for them and for you. Being compassionate to yourself or others may bring you peace and inspire you to do more. These following quotes will help you understand just how precious kindness is.

Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you. PRINCESS DIANA (more Princess Diana quotes)

Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life. JACKIE CHAN

It really shocks me when I encounter people who think kindness doesn’t matter. Because I think it’s pretty much the only thing that matters. JOSH RADNOR

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force. PUBILIUS SYRUS

Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind. ERIC HOFFER

Ignorant kindness may have the effect of cruelty; but to be angry with it as if it were direct cruelty would be an ignorant unkindness. GEORGE ELIOT

The kindness that’s been shown to me, by doctors as well as my family and my friends, it’s really saved my life. LADY GAGA (more Lady Gaga quotes)

In separateness lies the world’s great misery, in compassion lies the world’s true strength. BUDDHA (more Buddha quotes)

A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you. DALAI LAMA (more Dalai Lama quotes)

Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom. THEODORE ISAAC RUBIN

Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind. HENRY JAMES

I think probably kindness is my number one attribute in a human being. I’ll put it before any of the things like courage, or bravery, or generosity, or anything else… Kindness—that simple word. To be kind—it covers everything, to my mind. If you’re kind that’s it. ROALD DAHL (more Roald Dahl quotes)

What we all have in common is an appreciation of kindness and compassion; all the religions have this. Love . We all lean towards love. RICHARD GERE

Kindness is always fashionable, and always welcome. AMELIA BARR

Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out. It will wear well and will be remembered long after the prism of politeness or the complexion of courtesy has faded away. ABRAHAM LINCOLN (more Abraham Lincoln quotes)

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. AESOP

Kindness quotes for kids

Research shows that empathy is one of eight core abilities that drive successful kids. Kindness quotes can help to engage in meaningful conversations about compassion and empathy with children. It is important to foster these qualities, as kids represent our future.

“Always be a little kinder than necessary.”

James m. barrie, “be kind to unkind people. they need it the most.”, ashleigh brilliant, “never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. for, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”, margaret mead, “when i was young, i admired clever people. now that i am old, i admire kind people.”, abraham joshua heschel, “i feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance.”, pablo casals, “if you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up.”, booker t. washington.

“Always stop to think whether your fun may be the cause of another’s unhappiness.”

“there never was any heart truly great and generous, that was not also tender and compassionate.”, bishop robert south, “teaching kids good manners is teaching them about kindness, consideration, and respect.”, claire stranberg, “the simple act of caring is heroic.”, edward albert, “kind words don’t cost much. yet they accomplish much.”, henry james, “to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”.

“If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.”

Dolly parton, “how beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it”, george elliston, “weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”, a. a. milne, quotes about kindness and compassion.

Compassion is crucial for our personal development, relationships, and society as a whole. We need compassion and kindness in order to form harmonious relationships, minimize stress and enhance emotional intelligence. Here are inspirational quotes on compassion from historical figures.

Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud MAYA ANGELOU

Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are. HAROLD S. KUSHNER

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. DALAI LAMA

We can’t heal the world today but we can begin with a voice of compassion, a heart of love, an act of kindness. MARY DAVIS

All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart. TAHEREH MAFI

Having compassion starts and ends with having compassion for all those unwanted parts of ourselves. PEMA CHODRON

When we match compassion with purpose, we being to conquer the world. ZACHARIAH THOMPSON

Make no judgments where you have no compassion. ANNE MCCAFFREY

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. MARK TWAIN

There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self-esteem, the more likely one will be to treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity. NATHANIEL BRANDEN

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate. ALBERT SCHWEITZER

Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. SENECA

Transparency, honesty, kindness, good stewardship, even humor, work in businesses at all times. JOHN GERZEMA

Compassion isn’t about solutions. It’s about giving all the love that you’ve got. CHERYL STRAYED

A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. STEVE MARABOLI

Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up JESSE JACKSON

Quotes about humility and kindness

A few kind words may not solve someone’s problems, but they can give one the strength to deal with them. Little acts of kindness don’t go unnoticed. And when you’re kind to others, they in turn learn from you.

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. MOTHER TERESA

We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. RONALD REAGAN

Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle. CHARLES GLASSMAN

Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. BOB KERREY

The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey. SARAH FIELDING

Kindness is like snow- It beautifies everything it covers. KAHLIL GIBRAN

A great man is always willing to be little. RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real. THOMAS MERTON

Because that’s what kindness is. It’s not doing something for someone else because they can’t, but because you can. ANDREW ISKANDER

Kindness pardons others’ weaknesses and faults. Kindness is extended to all to the aged and the young, to animals, to those low of station as well as the high. EZRA TAFT BENSON

Kindness and faithfulness keep a king safe, through kindness his throne is made secure. KING SOLOMON

What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness? JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU

That is what compassion does. It challenges our assumptions, our sense of self-limitation, worthlessness, of not having a place in the world, our feelings of loneliness and estrangement. These are narrow, constrictive states of mind. As we develop compassion, our hearts open. SHARON SALZBERG

As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way. MARY ANNE RADMACHER

Love and kindness quotes

There are so many ways one can define kindness in their lives. For starters, kindness is a quality or type of behaviour that is characterized by acts of generosity, consideration, and care, and concern for others. It is a virtue that is prized in almost every culture and religion in the world. It’s no wonder that it goes hand in hand with love.

The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose. HADA BEJAR

Without tenderness, a man is uninteresting. MARLENE DIETRICH

Politeness is the flower of humanity. JOSEPH JOUBERT

To understand everything is to forgive everything. OSHO

Be nice to strangers. Be nice even when it doesn’t matter. SAM ALTMAN

Kids want to appear tough and independent. Adults want to appear kind and perfect. The wise are just kind. MAXIME LAGACÉ

Never lose a chance of saying a kind word. WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY

Kindness makes a fellow feel good whether it’s being done to him or by him. FRANK A. CLARK

A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve. JOSEPH JOUBERT

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. MOTHER TERESA

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. DR. SEUSS

Short kindness quotes

You can win the world only with kindness. Kindness can help you move mountains. It is a sword to each and every difficulty.

How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it! GEORGE ELLISTON

A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats little men. THOMAS CARLYLE

An egoist lives in poverty. A kind person lives in abundance. MAXIME LAGACÉ

Act with kindness, but do not expect gratitude. CONFUCIUS

One can’t be kind to one person and cruel to another. MORARJI DESAI

Gentleness and kindness will make our homes a paradise upon earth. C. A. BARTOL

To belittle, you have to be little. KAHLIL GIBRAN

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. JOHN HOLMES

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force. PUBLILIUS SYRUS

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. DALAI LAMA

Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together. JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE

We rise by lifting others. ROBERT INGERSOLL

Kind words don’t cost much. Yet they accomplish much. BLAISE PASCAL

Act of kindness quotes

No matter what time of the day or year it is, take a moment to bring a smile to someone else’s face. Your small, kind gesture could make their day or even change their life. Here are some quotes that can inspire your next act of kindness.

You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Simple kindness may be the most vital key to the riddle of how human beings can live with each other in peace, and care properly for this planet we all share. BO LOZOFF

Kindness is the light that dissolves all walls between souls, families, and nations. PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. DALAI LAMA

There are two ways of spreading light. To be a candle or mirror that reflects it. EDITH WHARTON

It takes generosity to discover the whole through others. If you realize you are only a violin, you can open yourself up to the world by playing your role in the concert. JACQUES-YVES COUSTEAU

Kindness is the sunshine in which virtue grows. ROBERT GREEN INGERSOLL

Yet, at the same time, we see extreme acts of kindness, selfless acts of courage and people doing all manner of good in the world. ELIZABETH EDWARDS

One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will be a friend better than any possession. SOPHOCLES

Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness. GEORGE SAND

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver. BARBARA DE ANGELIS

Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. SCOTT ADAMS

The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. AESOP

A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. AMELIA EARHART

He that has done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Be kind to unkind people. They need it the most. ASHLEIGH BRILLIANT

You can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness. ANNE FRANK

Flavia Medrut is a freelance writer, researcher and part-time psychologist. She believes music, long walks and a good sense of humor are imperative in keeping one’s sanity.

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A guide to writing the best personal statement for your college application (with template and examples!)

Why is boasting about a best friend SO much easier than writing about yourself? Unfortunately, writing about yourself is exactly what a personal statement essay requires you to do–whether it’s for your college admissions application, or for a scholarship application to pay for college . Here’s our guide, to ensure you’re well-equipped to write a killer personal statement!

First off, what’s the purpose of a personal statement?

What topics can i write about, how do i decide what to focus on, in my college essay, okay, i’ve got my personal statement topic. but now i have to actually write it. 😱what do i do .

• Do you have personal statement examples? 

Now it’s your turn.

Your personal statement should share something about who you are, something that can’t be found in your resume or transcript.

For colleges:

• It should paint a picture for colleges to understand who we are and what we bring to the table. This is why it’s often better to tell a story, or give examples, rather than just list accomplishments.
• It should complement the other parts of your application. Consider your college application as a whole. Your personal statement, application short answers, and supporting documentation should together tell a story about who you are. This also means not being super repetitive with your personal statement and your short essays. (For instance, if you have to answer 3 questions AND submit a personal statement, maybe they shouldn’t ALL focus on music.)

For scholarship applications:

• It should indicate why you’re deserving of the scholarship. This often means making sure your essay relates to the scholarship provider’s goals. (Get more help on writing a killer scholarship essay here , and then make sure you’re applying as efficiently as possible. )
• It should showcase your strengths. This doesn’t mean it can’t acknowledge any weaknesses, but it surely shouldn’t only focus on negative aspects!

It can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. First, figure out what your choices are. Some colleges may have very specific college essay prompts. That said, many students apply using the Common App, which this year offers these 7 topics to choose from : 

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? ( Psst – If you choose this topic, you can sign up for Going Merry and apply for a scholarship bundle : one essay, multiple scholarships! )
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

You’ll notice that #7 is a catch-all that allows you to submit any personal statement about anything at all . 

So maybe that doesn’t help you narrow it down. 

Here’s a 3-step solution:

STEP 1. Brainstorm about your life

Dedicate 5-10 minutes each to brainstorming about these 4 sets of questions.

You can do this by yourself (writing down your thoughts), or do this exercise out loud with a friend or family member, and then jot down notes as you’re talking. If you “think out loud” better than you do on paper, brainstorming with someone else may be the way to go! 

(A) What were defining moments in your life?

How did these moments in your life changed you, what did you learn from it, and how has it shaped your future plans? Some topics might include:

• An accident or injury
• A best friend you made (or lost)
• A defining talk with a peer
• Something new you tried for the first time
• Revealing a sexual or gender identity, to friends or family
• Discovering something about your family ( e.g., see Jesus’s story )
• Moving to a new city
• Traveling somewhere, or learning about a new culture ( e.g., see Gabby’s story )
• Your first pet (new responsibilities as a fur mom or dad)

(B) What have you chosen to spend time on?

Remember to focus not just on the what , but also the why – What were your motivations? How did you feel? What have you learned? Some topics on this might include: 

• The moment you joined band, color guard, or the soccer team. 
• A time you struggled with that activity – e.g., Maybe you got passed over for captain of the soccer? Or maybe you got an injury and had to sit out on the sidelines? 
• Maybe a moment you really fell in love with that activity – e.g. Maybe the first time you investigated a story for the school newspaper and realized journalism was your calling?

(C) Whom or what are you inspired by?

How did you find out about this person or thing? Why are you inspired? In what ways are you inspired? Is there anything that inspiration has made you do (e.g. join a club, do an activity or internship on the topic)? Some topics on this might include: 

• Technology – Maybe a specific App made you inspired to learn to code? 
• Person in your life – Maybe meeting someone (or knowing someone in your family) has affected you? 
• A show, movie, book, or podcast that inspired you to look at life differently
• A dance or song that has made you interested in performing arts

(D) What are you proud of?

Make a list of all the things you’re proud of. These can be milestones, hobbies, qualities, or quirks that are what make you, you. Topics to consider might be:

• Times you saved the day – like that epic left-handed catch you made on the field
• Personal qualities – Maybe you’re really funny, or amazingly calm under pressure. What are some examples of times when you showed those qualities?
• Random life things you’re amazing at – Baking a mean chocolate brownie. Guessing how many gumballs are in a jar. Tell a story when that amazing talent was handy!

Don’t worry if some of your ideas repeat between sections. This is just a way to get ideas flowing! 

STEP 2. Shortlist your ideas

Identify your strongest ideas out of the bunch. This should probably be very few (2-4).

STEP 3. Freewrite about your possible essay topics.

Once you’ve brainstormed some ideas and identified 2-4 winners, we agree with Find the Right College – just start freewriting! Start by writing a few sentences or paragraphs about any of your shortlisted topics, and let the words flow. Write for about 15 minutes, on each shortlisted topic. Don’t worry about structure or organization – this is just an exercise so you feel comfortable getting the thoughts out of your head and onto paper. 

It will also allow you to see which of the topics seems to have the most “legs” — often, you’ll notice that your best topic will:

• Be the easiest to write about (those 15 minutes flew by!)
• Lead you to tell at least one interesting story
• Feel like it genuinely reveals something important about who you are
• Not be captured easily by other parts of your application (you’ll need a full 500 words to really be able to tackle this meaty topic)

Well, let’s start here: What makes a personal statement good or even great ?

Here are some things to keep in mind: 

1. Get personal.

Remember the “personal” in personal statement. We all have a story to tell, and we all have a different journey that led us to where we are today. We might think “someone already wrote about this” or we might think our story isn’t unique, but IT IS.

2. Speak like you.

Write your personal statement in a genuine tone that reflects who you are . There’s no right or wrong tone – just make sure your tone represents YOU. This means, in particular, not using big words just to show off. Often, this just seems like you’re trying to hard. (Or, even worse, you accidentally use the word incorrectly!)

3. Think about your audience.

Who will you be writing your personal statement for? What message do you want to convey? If it’s for to the college admissions committee, how do you show you’ll align well with the culture of the school? If it’s for a scholarship provider, how do you show you support their mission?

4. Hit the big three: Story, Implication, Connection to college/major.

Most successful college essays do at least 3 things: 

• Mention at least one anecdote or story. (“Show, don’t tell.”)
• Explain why that anecdote or story is important to who you are.
• End (or begin) by connecting this information, to why you are applying to this specific college. This may include information about the major (why you think their department/program is great), or more general information about what attracts you to the school (e.g., location, sports, extracurricular activities, Greek life). Get specific so the school knows you’re really interested in them! This is the one piece of your personal statement that probably shouldn’t be cut & paste.

Here’s an example of how to use that personal essay template:

• Story: When I was 11, my family traveled to Italy and visited museums — one specific painting made me fall in love with art. ( 1-2 paragraphs )
• Why important: After that trip, I did lots of art and studied lots of art. Mention specific extracurriculars. ( 3 paragraphs )
• Why this college: I want to apply to X college because of its excellent art program, which I can also complement by joining Y and Z clubs. Since it’s in New York, it’ll also offer my the opportunity to visit the countless art museums like MOMA. ( 1 paragraph )

5. Hit the length.

Make sure you keep within the required length. Normally if you aim for 500 words, you’re golden. Some college or scholarship applications will allow you to write up to 600 or 650 words.

6. Edit your work.

Once you’ve written your personal statement, step away from it. There was a time when we used to rely on pencil and paper to write down all of our ideas and information (including first-draft college essays). Now, we mainly rely on screens, so our eyes grow tired, causing us to miss typos and grammar mistakes.

So save that document in an easy-to-find folder on your computer. Then stepping away from your computer and taking a break helps relax your mind and body and then refocus when you come back to edit the document.

( Psst – If you’re applying for scholarships with Going Merry, we’ve got built-in spellcheck, and we allow you to save essays in your documents folder, so no work will get lost! )

We can’t stress this one enough: Don’t submit your personal statement without checking your spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.! All the grammar things! Your personal statement reflects who you are, from the topic you choose to the style you write it in, so impress colleges (or scholarship providers) with excellent structure and great grammar!

7. Then, ask someone else to edit it too.

We recommend asking a friend, counselor, or parent to read your personal statement before you submit the document. One more set of eyes will really help you get a second opinion on the tone, writing quality, and overall representation of who you are in your personal statement.

8. Be brave, and hit that “submit” button on your personal statement!

Finally, when everything is completed, click submit! Don’t hold back!

9. Remember, personal statements for your college app, can also be reused as scholarship essays.

Get double-use out of your personal statement. Going Merry is your home for all things scholarships–fill out a profile, get matched to eligible scholarships, and apply. You can even save essays so that you can easily upload the same one for multiple scholarship applications. (We were inspired by the Common App to make applying for scholarships easier.)

Register for an account here , get the full lowdown on how it works , or just sign up for the newsletter below (to get 20 scholarship opportunities delivered to our inbox each each week!).

Do you have personal statement examples ? 

Oh yes we do. First, here are some excerpts of personal statements from members of our very own Going Merry team!

Charlie Maynard, Going Merry CEO – wrote about what matters most to him and why, for his grad school application.

• The open paragraph read: “Being open to new ideas and able to take advantage of opportunities is what is most important to me. The most extraordinary times in my life have come as a result of moments when I’ve seized opportunities. This has been evident in my educational life, my travels around the world and my professional career.”
• This anchored the main topic of his essay. He then went on to explain examples.

Charlotte Lau, Going Merry Head of Growth – wrote for her college Common App personal statement:

“As a child, I was never close with my father, though we were always on good terms. He made me laugh and taught me all the things that made me into a young tomboy: what an RBI is, how to correctly hook a fish when I feel it biting, what to bring on a camping trip. But whenever I was upset, he wouldn’t know how to comfort me. He is a man of jokes and words, not of comforting motions.

But as I grew older and I too became infatuated with words—albeit in written form—our topics of conversation became more diverse and often more profound. We continued to watch sports games together, but during commercials, we’d have epistemological and ethical discussions more fitting for a philosophy class than a chat during a Knicks’ time-out. During these talks, my father would insert stories about his youth. They’d always be transitory or anecdotal, told as if they were beside the point. Still, I’d eagerly commit them to memory, and, over time, I began to get a sense of who my father was—and, in turn, who I am.”

Now, here are some excerpts from other sample personal statements:

These 3 are college essays about personal characteristics:

Essay 1: Humorous essay about getting a D and learning a lesson

“Getting a D probably isn’t the worst thing in the world, but it’s not something anyone wants to see, let alone put, on a college application. It came back to me, scrawled in red, on the first big history test of the year. The one the teacher had assured us was a third of our grade. I could already see my chances of a four-year college going up in smoke and my school year hadn’t even started yet.

What happened? I’m not a D student. I’ll get the occasional C as well as the occasional A. D’s are out of character for me, and enough of a stomach punch to really get my attention. The short version is, I didn’t study, and I don’t remember precisely why. There is always a reason not to study, isn’t there? I didn’t study and I went into a test woefully unprepared and got beaten up.

I had two options here. I could accept that I was in fact a D student despite what I had thought. Or I could study hard for the next test and try to bring my grade up by the force of the average.”

Essay 2: Why a talent (in this case, one at football) is also a responsibility

“Talent is not remarkable. It’s usually the first thing anyone compliments. “You’re so talented.” It doesn’t mean what they think it means. It doesn’t mean I worked hard. It means I was lucky, or blessed, or anything else you want to call it.

I have talent. I’ve known since I was old enough to hold a football. The game just makes intuitive sense to me. The pathways of the players, both my team and the others, where the ball has to go, and what I’m doing. In the silence before a snap, I’m already playing out what is going to happen, watching the holes in my lines, tracing the route of my receivers. […]

It is far too easy to view talent as an excuse. For me, it is a motivator. For my talent, I will accept nothing less than a dream that only a tiny percentage of people ever get to experience. To get there, I’m willing to work hard and wring every last accomplishment from myself.

Talent is a responsibility. Because you had nothing to do with acquiring it, you are compelled to achieve every last bit you can with it. While I had grown used to thinking varsity would be it, that was not the case. Now, I can focus on the goal while I accomplish the steps.”

Essay 3: On living with depression

“Before I was diagnosed, I had been told it was a normal part of growing up. I was told that teens are moody. I would grow out of it. I couldn’t imagine anyone growing out of what I was feeling. I couldn’t imagine anyone surviving.

Diagnosis and medication have saved my life, allowing me to see the world as people without my brain chemistry would. […] what I found was a place of tiny kindnesses.

It might sound bad—as though kindness can only exist in the smallest forms. This is not what I mean. There are extraordinary people out there who devote their lives to doing very large, very important things for others. I’m not talking about them, partially because they are extraordinary. They are not the norm.

What is normal are the tiny kindnesses. These do not cost a person much of anything. A slice of time, a moment of openness, and little else. They are a smile when you’re feeling down, a comforting hand on the shoulder, a moment to talk.”

And here are 3 college personal statements, about what drove their interest in their intended major: 

Essay 4: On why this applicant wants to study music

“My great-great-uncle Giacomo Ferrari was born in 1912 in Neverland, NY, the youngest of four sons. His parents had emigrated from Italy with his two eldest brothers in the early 1900s in search of a better life in America. Their struggles as immigrants are in themselves inspiring, but the challenges they faced are undoubtedly similar to those that many other immigrant families had to overcome; because of this, the actions that my relatives embarked upon are that much more extraordinary. Giacomo’s oldest brother Antonio, my great-grandfather, decided to take a correspondence course in violin, and to teach his youngest brother Giacomo how to play as well. Giacomo Ferrari eventually became an accomplished violinist and started a free “Lunchtime Strings” program for all the elementary schools in the Neverland area, giving free violin lessons and monthly concerts.

As a native English speaker who has had the privilege of studying viola and violin with trained, private teachers, I can only imagine the perseverance it took for my great-grandfather and great-great uncle to learn an instrument like the violin out of booklets and lessons that were not even written in their native language. Their passion and dedication to learning something new, something not part of their lives as blue-collar, immigrant workers, and their desire to share it with others, has inspired me as a musician and a person. It is this spirit that has motivated me to pursue an MA at Composition at the University of XXX.”

Essay 5: On why this applicant wants to be an allergy specialist

“Suddenly I started scratching my neck, feeling the hives that had started to form. I rushed to the restroom to throw up because my throat was itchy and I felt a weight on my chest. I was experiencing anaphylactic shock, which prevented me from taking anything but shallow breaths. I was fighting the one thing that is meant to protect me and keep me alive – my own body.

[…] After that incident, I began to fear. I became scared of death, eating, and even my own body. As I grew older, I became paranoid about checking food labels and I avoided eating if I didn’t know what was in the food. I knew what could happen if I ate one wrong thing, and I wasn’t willing to risk it for a snack. Ultimately, that fear turned into resentment; I resented my body for making me an outsider.

In the years that followed, this experience and my regular visits to my allergy specialist inspired me to become an allergy specialist. Even though I was probably only ten at the time, I wanted to find a way to help kids like me. I wanted to find a solution so that nobody would have to feel the way I did; nobody deserved to feel that pain, fear, and resentment. As I learned more about the medical world, I became more fascinated with the body’s immune responses, specifically, how a body reacts to allergens.”

Essay 6 : On why this applicant wants to study medicine  

“My passion for teaching others and sharing knowledge emanates from my curiosity and love for learning. My shadowing experiences in particular have stimulated my curiosity and desire to learn more about the world around me. How does platelet rich plasma stimulate tissue growth? How does diabetes affect the proximal convoluted tubule? My questions never stopped. I wanted to know everything and it felt very satisfying to apply my knowledge to clinical problems. distinct concepts together to form a coherent picture truly attracts me to medicine.

It is hard to separate science from medicine; in fact, medicine is science. However, medicine is also about people—their feelings, struggles and concerns. Humans are not pre-programmed robots that all face the same problems. Humans deserve sensitive and understanding physicians. Humans deserve doctors who are infinitely curious, constantly questioning new advents in medicine. They deserve someone who loves the challenge of problem solving and coming up with innovative individualized solutions. I want to be that physician. I want to be able to approach each case as a unique entity and incorporate my strengths into providing personalized care for my patients. Until that time, I may be found Friday mornings in the operating room, peering over shoulders, dreaming about the day I get to hold the drill.”

You made it this far. Now, it’s time to write your personal statement!

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What is Kindness in Psychology? (Incl. Activities + Quotes)

With the increased acknowledgment that bullying behavior is a widespread epidemic in workplaces and schools, the need to reclaim our kindness roots is imperative.

Worldwide efforts to shine a light on kindness have led to the development of kindness curriculums and days devoted to celebrating kindness and compassion.

There are countless organizations whose entire mission is to spread kindness. As you read this article, you’ll learn about several of them. You’ll also learn about ordinary people doing ordinary things with extraordinary results.

Along the way, we’ll ask you to contribute your knowledge in the comments. Sharing your book recommendations, and acts of kindness suggestions might inspire others. Let’s create a ripple that becomes a wave we all can ride.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Relationships Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients build healthy, life-enriching relationships.

This Article Contains

What is the meaning of kindness (incl. definition), a look at the psychology of kindness, kindness and positive psychology, the research on kindness and mental health, 12 interesting facts and statistics, the key characteristics and attributes of a kind person, 5 examples of kindness in action, a look at kindness as a character strength, is kindness a weakness, why is kindness an important personality and character trait, the value of showing kindness to others, using kindness in leadership, kindness vs compassion, 10 activities and worksheets to promote kindness (incl. pdf), what is kindness week, 9 ted talks and youtube videos, 10 recommended books, positive news sources, a take-home message.

Is kindness simply the act of being nice to someone or is there more to it? How is it the same or different than altruism? Can a person be kind without wanting something in return? Is being kind a service to others, to self, or both?

These are the questions posed by philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, and theologians. No one has the answers, but many have attempted finding insights through experiments. These experiments seek to better understand what drives altruistic behavior in individuals.

Some researchers have found that human’s seek cooperation. We want to get along. When tested using a Public Goods Game approach, Rand, Greene, and Nowak (2012) learned that faster decisions led to more cooperation. From their perspective, this happens because longer decision making involves careful deliberation. When we’re asked to make a decision right now our actions are more intuitive.

Their work is an excellent starting point for this subject, but we’ll begin with a definition of kindness. For this, let’s review one provided by Pam (2013) in the Psychology Dictionary online.

It is a benevolent and helpful action intentionally directed towards another person, it is motivated by the desire to help another and not to gain explicit reward or to avoid explicit punishment.

“The desire to help another” makes one think of compassion which involves taking action to reduce suffering.

What then, is altruism? The essence of altruistic behavior is selflessness. A person acts in service to others without regard for their own wellbeing or needs (Oxford Living Dictionaries, 2019). For example, an elderly person enters a crowded subway train. There are no seats available. Seeing this, a stranger picks up his overloaded tool bag from the floor, stands, and offers his seat. This behavior could be altruistic.

Is altruism an innate trait? Humans, according to Hepach, Vaish, and Tomasello (2012) have a genuine concern for others and this starts as early as the toddler years. Some refute this and research is ongoing (Pletti, Scheel, & Paulus, 2017).

No discussion about kindness is complete without including the work of Hans Selye. He argued that to reduce the negative effects of everyday stressors, we need to do good for others. In The Stress of Life , he suggests that in doing so our physiological responses to stress change. He advocated for altruistic egoism (Jackson, 2012).

Altruistic egoism at its core means that in order for one to be happy and healthy, one must help others. Love and gratitude for others lead to greater feelings of satisfaction and security (Luks & Payne, 2001).

For now, our focus is exploring the benefits of kindness as it relates to self and others. We’ll also take a look at possible shortcomings of being kind. If you’re curious about the relationship between kindness and compassion, we’ll touch on that, too.

Can unhappy people become kind?

Are happy people kinder than unhappy people?

Again, we can look to research for insights into the connection between these traits. But first, what type of happiness are we talking about? Does it matter?

Hedonic happiness is about the self. From this perspective, we want to increase pleasure and avoid pain. This is the most basic way to view hedonia while eudaimonic happiness includes self and others. Its focus is meaning and self-realization with a definition of wellbeing based on “ the degree to which a person is fully functioning (Ryan & Deci, 2001).

There is a connection between the two, but research definitions are sometimes vague. To address this, Huta and Waterman (2014) suggested new terminology and classifications. They are:

• Degree of centrality – Are the concepts core, close-to-core, and major correlates?
• Category of analysis – Does the definition represent orientations, values, motives, or goals?
• Level of measurement – Is the definition used for trait and/or state comparisons?
• For our purposes, we’re exploring the relationship between eudaimonic happiness and kindness.

Otake, Shimai, Tanaka-Matsumi, Otsui, and Fredrickson (2006) describe kindness as combining three components.

• The motivation to be kind to others
• Recognition of kindness in others
• Engaging in kind behavior daily

In their investigations the researchers wanted to know two things:

• What is the relationship between kindness and subjective happiness ?
• Can people become happier by introducing a counting kindness intervention?

To explore the first question, they used the Subjective Happiness Scale. It measures daily happy and unhappy experiences. The questionnaire also consists of motivation, recognition, and behavior-related items.

For the second question, the team asked participants to count the number of kind acts they did every day. They performed this task for one week. The researchers used the same scale pre and post-intervention. They also measured gratitude as it related to participants’ response to receiving kindness.

Their findings were:

• Happy people scored higher on their motivation to perform, and their recognition and enactment of kind behaviors.
• Happy people have more happy memories in daily life in terms of both quantity and quality.
• Subjective happiness was increased simply by counting one’s own acts of kindness for one week.
• Happy people became more kind and grateful through the counting kindnesses intervention. (Otake et al., 2006)

One of the challenges with studying kindness lies in its definition. A second is how to measure it. Lee Rowland (2018) in a review of kindness literature, cites one example that manages to do both. Canter, Youngs, and Yaneva (2017) identified three components of kindness.

Rowland highlights their findings as follows:

• benign tolerance, a type of everyday courteousness, acceptance and love of one’s fellows;
• empathetic responsivity, a consideration of the feelings of other particular individuals; and,
• principled pro-action, broadly altruistic behavior that is proactive and about behaving honorably.

He also explains that the research showed another feature: core kindness. This is the umbrella over the previous three. This overarching sentiment is like empathy, but also involves “active gestures born of warm feelings for others” (Rowland, 2018).

One thing that researchers know is that being kind and being a recipient of kindness is a good thing — for everyone. There’s little debate about that.

Kindness is …

Before the rise of positive psychology, research centered on abnormal behavior. The focus was on what was wrong with people and how to fix them.

Positive psychology researchers concern themselves with what works in peoples’ lives. They want to know how to increase those experiences so that people can thrive and flourish.

The subjects explored in positive psychology are many, and diverse. Lee Rowland (2018) views the interest in kindness as resulting from the combination of three events.

• The rise of positive psychology as a legitimate area of scholarship
• Evidence that empathy and altruism are innate
• Negative news cycles frustrating people so much that they crave some good news

The topic of kindness is in the Bible, Quran, and Torah. The Bible includes many references to kindness. Among them are:

• A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself (Proverbs 11:17).
• Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18).
• But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, [and] faithfulness (Galatians 5:22).

Writer Zia Shah cited two hundred in the Quran. Included are:

• Indeed, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred; and forbids indecency, and manifest evil, and wrongful transgression. He admonished you that you may take heed (Al Quran 16:91).
• And as for those who strive in Our path — We will surely guide them in Our ways. And Indeed, Allah is with those who are of service to others (Al Quran 29:70).
• The reward of goodness is nothing but goodness (Al Quran 55:61).

Rabbi Maurice Lamm (2000) writes,

What is quite clearly the most consistent and all-embracing act of faith is called Chesed, which means kindness and implies the giving of oneself to helping another without regard to compensation.

He explains in Day to Day Judaism: Kindness , that kindness is a daily requirement. He also cites a passage from the Talmud clarifying the difference between charity and kindness.

“The Rabbis taught: In three ways is kindness greater than charity. Charity is done with money; kindness can be either with one’s person or one’s money. Charity is for the poor; kindness can be done for either the poor or the rich. Charity is for the living; kindness can be done for the living or the dead (Sukkah 49b).”

If we were to examine other religious texts, we’d likely find more references to kindness. Based on its prevalence in those texts, it’s evident that our fascination with it is thousands of years old. Until recently we didn’t understand how being kind helps us mentally and physically.

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There’s a plethora of research surrounding this topic. You could spend weeks, maybe months, combing through scientific journals. To save you time here’s some great information that summaries much of what researchers know.

Rowland and Curry (2019) also found,

• After seven days of performing kind acts, happiness increases, and
• There’s a positive relationship between the number of kind acts and the level of happiness someone experiences.

Doing kind acts and showing gratitude might be difficult for some, but the more you do it, the easier it is. You’ll also be happier and less stressed by the end of your day.

In Sarah Tashjiian’s (2018) article, Does it pay to be kind? she identifies several kindness benefits all supported by scientific inquiry. Here are some of those benefits:

• Prosocial behaviors increase happiness and self-esteem
• Being kind improves how others see and accept you
• Kindness leads to reductions in risks for disease
• Neural networks related to reward fire when we’re kind, and when we see others experience kindness

No two people express or behave with kindness the same way or to the same degree. In Tashjiian’s article (2018) she also identified that,

• People with less money show more generosity, charitability, and helpfulness,
• Children who are more social exhibit more prosocial behavior, and
• Kindness is positively related to better self-regulation and less emotional reactivity

Researchers from KindLab at Kindness.org conducted a meta-analysis of 27 experimental studies. According to them, research supports that kindness has a significant effect on wellbeing.

KindLab also reported several other findings including,

• Kindness ranked above physical attractiveness in a potential mate. They received responses from 10,047 people from 33 countries,
• If a doctor expressed empathy and kindness, surveyed patients’ colds shortened by 1 day,
• Kindness can lower the effects of stress,
• Being kind to others boosts psychological flourishing, and
• Kindness is an effective way to reduce state-level social anxiety.

Finding a scientifically-validated list of what it takes to be a kind person doesn’t exist. What we can do is glean this information from a variety of pieces of research. Following is a brief list of traits that surfaced again, and again.

• Good listening skills
• Engage in perspective-taking
• Caring/nurturing

The Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education decided to ask a few expert citizen scientists. Here are their responses.

Become a citizen scientist for a few minutes and explore the following questions.

• What would you add to this list?
• What criteria would you use to include your suggestion(s)?
• What definitions would you use?
• How would cultural differences or similarities help you determine what to include?

Leave a comment below and let us know.

Acts of kindness worldwide are plentiful. Whether it’s a person giving up their seat on a crowded commuter train, or pulling someone from a burning car, they happen every day.

Our brains tend to focus on the negative, scanning the environment for threats. We must be proactive in our pursuit of finding and recognizing kind acts. They won’t always be extraordinary, but they always will be necessary for our survival.

In no particular order, here are five fabulous examples of kindness in action.

R.A.K.E . (Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere ), created by Ricky Smith in Cleveland, OH started because he had an insatiable desire to give back to others. As he performed acts, big and small, he garnered the attention of people throughout his hometown. See Ricky in action.

Think Kindness inspires and challenges young people to act kindly. The organization, led by Brian Williams, guides school communities to spread kindness in 15 days through random acts. Watch Brian motivate a group of middle school students at Kent State University.

Kindness Boomerang, viewed more than 30 million times, shares a simple message: kindness is contagious. It’s the brainchild of Life Vest Inside founder, Orly Wahba. She’s on a mission to “ empower and unite the world with kindness .”

Get a box of tissues. 10 incredible acts of kindness caught on camera is a real-life tear-jerker.

Still have that box of tissues? Here are a few more Incredible acts of kindness caught on camera.

This section could be quite long. You’re invited to add to this list in the comments below.

Chris Peterson and Martin Seligman (2004) investigated character strengths and virtues found worldwide. They recognized that settings shape a person’s traits and, thus can change. Peterson and Seligman also understood that individual traits are stable and general (p. 10).

Their exploration culminated in the identification of 24 universal character strengths. Each strength is further classified according to a theme of which there are six.

The inclusion of a character strength involved meeting most of the following ten criteria:

• Fulfilling – The act is intrinsically motivating and rewarding.
• Morally valued – Regardless of whether it produces a desirable outcome/reward.
• Doesn’t diminish others – The creative act of one, benefits others.
• Nonfelicitous opposite – This is a linguistic measure. The researchers were attempting to reduce confusion caused by synonyms or antonyms.
• Traitlike – The strength is general and stable across situations and time.
• Distinctiveness – The trait differs from the other traits in a meaningful way.
• Paragons – Stories, legends, and myths include the desired trait
• Prodigies – Like in other domains, it’s possible that a person could show an unusual talent for a particular strength.
• Selective absence – This leaves room for the possibility that someone doesn’t have a particular strength at all. For example, a person might score zero for humor.
• Institutions and rituals – These are societal supports. Examples include sports teams, after-school programs, religious institutions, etc.

Kindness is a character strength within the Humanity theme. This theme encompasses tending to and befriending others. Their definition of kindness is: Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them.

Synonyms include generosity, nurturance, care, compassion, altruistic love, and “niceness” (Peterson & Seligman, 2004, p. 29).

For a detailed explanation of this and other virtues, read their book, Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification . ( Amazon )

Research doesn’t support the perspective that to be kind is to be weak. It does tell us that it makes us stronger mentally and physically.

If you’re on the fence about this or surrounded by naysayers, watch Robin Sharma’s video. He’s a leadership expert with a great explanation for why kindness isn’t a weakness.

If you want a happier world, start with kindness. It’s contagious, slows aging, is good for your heart, and improves relationships.

Dr. David Hamilton (2017) explains this in The five side effects of kindness.  He says we’re not selfish people, we evolved to help each other. This led to strong bonds and increased survival rates.

Popular TV shows or movies highlight the importance of strong group bonds. Vikings, Sons of Anarchy , and Avengers are examples of this. There are many more examples real and imagined.

Kindness is not only an important trait, but it’s also critical for our success as a species.

Hamilton explains how oxytocin, produced when we express kindness and compassion, helps us.

By now, you’re filled with ideas about how to do random acts of kindness. You’re motivated to get started but wait — there’s more.

Do you want to look and feel younger?

Mark Kelly shares how doing one act of kindness every day does exactly that.

The Scottish Government values kindness so much that it included it in its National Performance Framework (Wallace, 2018). The new framework outlines the purpose of the government. It also identifies outcomes all public institutions need to achieve. Their values statement is:

“We are a society which treats all our people with kindness, dignity and compassion respects the rule of law and acts in an open and transparent way.”

The Bhutanese government measures their success according to Gross National Happiness (GNH.) The 4 Pillars of GNH guide their endeavors.

• Sustainable & Equitable Socio-economic development
• Good Governance
• Preservation & Promotion of Culture
• Environmental Conservation

The 9 Domains of GNH allow for the more specific measurement of The 4 Pillars .

• Living standards
• Environment
• Community vitality
• Psychological wellbeing
• Good governance
• Cultural resilience and promotion

The value of kindness isn’t stated, but it’s clear that it underlies many of the domains. The Bhutanese have been an example for many other countries.

Gay Haskins and Alison Gill (2018) conducted a survey of 200 leaders from public and private institutions.

These leaders came from around the world. Haskins and Gill wanted to understand how leaders perceived their role after the 2008 global economic crisis. After that crisis and other issues, trust in public and private organizations eroded in the UK and US. The researchers also wanted to know what role, if any, kindness has in business operations.

Study participants indicated that there needed to be a move toward a relational management style. The focus of leadership needed to shift from ‘what’ to including ‘how’ and ‘why.’

The role of kindness involved several actions (Haskins & Gill, 2018):

• fostering a sense of inclusion
• accommodating personal issues
• treating others respectfully
• generosity in giving and receiving
• caring and being responsive
• communicating with a personal touch
• being transparent
• explaining information logically
• giving time and active listening
• valuing differing perspectives
• giving honest and constructive feedback
• counseling and mentoring
• embracing diversity and tolerance

Many of the leaders viewed kindness as a core value. When it is seen as a core value and is communicated consistently, employees are happier and more productive. Financial performance also increases.

It’s important that boards and the executives running an organization agree on values. Some leaders believed kindness is difficult to sell in the boardroom or with shareholders.

Haskins and Gill identified four key attributes of kind leaders :

These are the same traits board members need to show. According to their study, “ kindness potentially holds the key to building trust in commercial business; this leap of faith starts with the board .”

Being a “tough as nails” leader has negative consequences. Emma Seppala writing for the Harvard Business Review (2014) cited two.

• increased employee stress which contributes to high health care and more turnover
• lack of bonding leads to increased psychological distress

Being kind had the opposite effect. It also increased trust and a sense of belonging. Self-sacrificing leaders gain loyal and committed employees. These employees are friendlier and more helpful to fellow teammates.

The bottom line? Be kind. The benefits mentioned in this article thus far also apply in the office.

Why, from an evolutionary perspective, would humans be compassionate ? UC Berkeley researcher Dacher Keltner explains how compassion developed in people.

Compassion is action-oriented. We feel for another person’s plight and take action to help. This differs from empathy in which we feel the pain of another person’s plight. In this latter case, we don’t take action to reduce the pain. In fact, we can experience empathy even while viewing a fictional show or movie.

Empathy is exhausting. It can lead to feelings of burnout. Compassion is like a warm hug. It also can be invigorating. They aren’t necessarily connected. Researcher Paul Bloom (2017) offers a few examples.

• You can worry about a child who’s afraid, pick the child up to offer comfort (compassion), but not feel the child’s fear (empathy.)
• You can be concerned about starving people and try to support them (compassion) without experiencing starvation (empathy.)

In the brain, empathy and compassion activate in different locations. Feelings of distress are characteristic of empathy. Feelings of concern and a desire to ease suffering are characteristic of compassion. Training in compassion versus empathy leads to more prosocial behaviors (Bloom, 2017).

Are kindness and compassion the same thing? Based on the previous definitions and examples one could argue that they are.

If you make a point to smile at people (kind act) could that be an act of compassion? You might not know how that simple action reduced another person’s suffering, but that doesn’t make it any less compassionate.

Can we be kind but not compassionate? Again, according to our definition of kindness, compassion (an action) is kindness.

Recall the definition provided by Pam (2013) at the start of this article:

“It is a benevolent and helpful action intentionally directed towards another person, it is motivated by the desire to help another and not to gain explicit reward or to avoid explicit punishment.”

Is it possible to be kind and compassionate to others but not yourself? Can you give something to others, which you yourself lack?

This self-compassion checklist was adapted from Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale (Raes et al., 2011).

The self-compassion scale is used widely in research to examine the effects and impact of self-compassion on several life areas.

Some evidence-based benefits suggest that higher self-compassion is associated with the following:

• Improved emotional wellbeing in adolescents and adults (Bluth & Blanton, 2014)
• Reduced shame-proneness, irrational beliefs, and symptoms of social anxiety (Cȃndea, & Szentágotai-Tătar, 2018)
• Reduced procrastination and maladaptive perfectionism (Barnard & Curry, 2011)
• Reduced body dissatisfaction, body shame, and improved body appreciation (Albertson et al., 2015).

Driven by this promising evidence, researchers and psychologists in positive psychology have developed many tools and exercises to help people cultivate self-compassion.

If you’d like to accept a kindness challenge, head over to Kindness.org . It’s a nonprofit whose team members believe “ kindness is the catalyst in solving the world’s biggest challenges .” Through their KindLab they test this hypothesis every day. You also could become a Citizen Scientist and help add to their research.

It’s hard to be a bully and be kind at the same time. The Great Kindness Challenge is a wonderful resource for schools. The materials are appropriate for pre-K – 12th grades.

Visit Doing Good Together for free printable tools all about kindness. Be sure to check out their Summer of Kindness Bucket list.

• for newbies
• for experienced do-gooders

They also have a 30 Days of Kindness Challenge for families.

7 Simple Kind Acts

• Start a gratitude corner in your office or classroom. Teammates or students can post messages about the kind things someone did for them in the past week. At the end of the week talk about the messages as a group.
• Start a gratitude journal or use an app like Bliss. Research links gratitude to wellbeing and better health. A recent study showed that concern for others changes after a three-week journaling intervention (Karns, Moore, & Mayr, 2017).
• Buy coffee or tea for the person behind you in line. You could put a big smile on someone’s face by paying for their morning brew.
• Pay for someone’s entry into a state or national park. The average US national park entry fee ranges from $25-$30/vehicle. Parks around the world have similar costs.
• Pick up trash around your community. In North America, you can get involved through the Adopt-a-Highway program. If you do, then you’ll clean up a section of highway for a specified period of time.
• Visit elderly people in a nursing home. Create the Good has great suggestions in their friendly visitor kit for how to make the most of your visit.
• Create a free library. Little Free Library has models or you could build one of your own. These are great for smaller communities, and for communities whose libraries lack resources.

Want to build your own Tardis library? If you have intermediate-level building skills, Steve Ramsey’s How to build a Tardis video can help you.

What’s your favorite kindness activity? Tell us all about it in the comments. By doing this one small act you’ll inspire at least one other person to copy you.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation used to host an annual Kindness Week. According to a post on their site, Random Acts of Kindness Day started appearing on calendars in February. Because it happened around the same time as RAKWeek, the Foundation decided to stop officially organizing a week-long event.

Kindness Week was an opportunity to highlight, share, and celebrate kind acts worldwide. Spreading a message of kindness is contagious, and it starts with one person. Pictures and stories provide a counterbalance to the negative media that bombards us.

Now you can celebrate RAKDay every February with millions of other people. Don’t feel like you’re limited to one day, though. With the resources on the Foundation’s site, you can celebrate kindness all year long.

The World Kindness Movement ( WKM ) began in Tokyo, Japan November 13th, 1997. It’s a global group offering a platform for like-minded organizations to share and collaborate. The mission of WKM is:

“to inspire individuals towards greater kindness by connecting nations to create a kinder world.”

To date, there are 37 member nations. If you’re interested in getting involved, visit their Find a project page. World Kindness Day is November 13, 2019. The purpose is to highlight, share, and celebrate acts of kindness.

Omaha, NE isn’t just home to The Oracle, Warren Buffet. It’s also the home base for The Secret Kindness Agents . Ferial Pearson, an educator, developed the program in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings. Listen to how she convinced a group of low-income students to accept their new mission.

Brian Williams shares how Think Kindness got its start. He challenges each of us to ask ourselves, “What ripples will I start through my actions?” and “What impact do I want to have in this world?” He wanted to inspire massive amounts of people. What do you want to do?

Jennifer Willis-Rivera, Development Officer at Random Acts, shares three lessons about kindness. Bonus: She shares several health benefits, too.

• You don’t have to be good to be kind,
• Kindness is like a vaccine, and
• Kindness is selfish, but in a good way.

Why is apathy acceptable? Why is it okay to watch someone suffer alone when surrounded by many? Scientist Jeremy Goldberg wondered these things so he started Long Distance Love Bombs . He brings up an interesting point to ponder: Why are we living in a world where kindness is an idea worth spreading?

Life Vest Inside founder Orly Wahba shares the passion that started her organization. She takes you from dream to reality through dreaming, believing, and trusting. In who? Yourself.

Isadora Dantas fulfilled a lifelong dream and moved from Brazil to NYC. After a few months, she was lonely and unhappy. People in Brazil smiled, engaged in chats, and didn’t have the same personal space rules. Dantas decided to try a few kindness interventions. She did them for a full year. What did she learn? If she took the first step, then that would change everything for her. Here are her three steps to growing kindness:

• Make a mental decision to be kind every day,
• Accept being vulnerable, and
• Just do it – Find the opportunities to be kind.

Do you believe kindness is a cure? Cindy Grimes does. She also believes that it can take us from a place of fear to love and openness. Here are two suggestions she offers.

• Give up the news, and
• Watch with mindfulness if you can’t give it up.

Steven Pinker explains in The better angels of our nature , that violence is, and has been, in decline. In fact, this is probably the most peaceful time humans have experienced. This talk offers a different perspective on world events.

Fearless Soul challenges us to start with ourselves by lifting others up. What difference can you make to one human life? Remember, kindness is contagious.

Kindness is a hot topic these days. A google search for “how many books are there about kindness” returns more than 87 million. Searching Amazon for books about kindness yields pages of results.

To make things easier, and to spread a little more kindness, here’s a short list of books to get you started.

1. Secret kindness agents – Ferial Pearson

Would it, could it, change a life?

This is the central question that jump-started Secret Kindness Agents.

Find the book on Amazon .

2. Why kindness is good for you – David R. Hamilton

Learn the real secret to longevity.

3. The healing power of doing good – Peggy Payne and Allen Luks

Volunteerism, the most compassionate act, helps the receiver and the giver live a healthier, happier life.

This book will help you see how you can create space in your life to volunteer, and why you should.

4. Character Strengths Interventions: A field guide for practitioners – Ryan M. Niemiec

You’ll learn how to flex your strengths more and how to dial them back when needed.

5. Character Strengths and Virtues – Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman

6. The Kindness Cure: How the science of compassion can heal your heart and your world – Tara Cousineau

Cousineau argues that acts of kindness can do exactly that.

Through an exploration of psychology and neuroscience, you’ll discover how.

7. The stress of life – Hans Selye

8. Give and Take: Why helping others drives our success – Adam Grant

Through his research Grant explains that givers tend to achieve extraordinary success.

Their achievements span a wide range of industries.

9. Leading with Kindness: How good people consistently get superior results – William F. Baker and Michael O’Malley, Ph.D.

How can leaders leverage kindness to motivate employees and increase productivity?

The authors share answers to these and other questions about kindness.

They also show how leaders can define kindness within the context of a business.

10. Kindness in Leadership – Gay Haskins, Michael Thomas, et al.

They delve into the importance of kindness in different organizations.

Included is an exploration of differences and similarities world-wide across gender, age, and economic groups.

Please share your recommendations in the comments. Feel free to include children’s books, too. Those often provide the best lessons.

In a world with a 24/7 news cycle, we get inundated with and overwhelmed by negative news. Turn on the TV, read a post or newspaper. What are the headlines? Murder, mayhem, and destruction greet us page after page and click after click.

But, there are news organizations bucking this trend. Here are a few you should investigate.

Yes Magazine Through rigorous reporting on the positive ways communities are responding to social problems and insightful commentary that sparks constructive discourse, YES! Media inspires people to build a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world.

Positive News When much of the media is full of doom and gloom, Positive News is the first media organization in the world that is dedicated to quality, independent reporting about what’s going right.

Good News Network From its beginnings, the website has been a clearinghouse for the gathering and dissemination of positive news stories from around the globe, confirming what people already know — that good news itself is not in short supply; the broadcasting of it is.

The Guardian Our Half Full series focuses on constructive stories, innovations, and people trying to make a difference.

17 Exercises for Positive, Fulfilling Relationships

Empower others with the skills to cultivate fulfilling, rewarding relationships and enhance their social wellbeing with these 17 Positive Relationships Exercises [PDF].

Created by experts. 100% Science-based.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has a great collection of quotes if you’d like to read more. Here are a few from some names you’ll recognize, but also some from several RAKtivists.

What’s a RAKtivist? These people are ambassadors of kindness. They share knowledge and lead by example. The Foundation currently has about 26K between the ages of 14-89 from 87 countries.

Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Kindness is having a generous heart and having a selfless personality.

Being kind is giving even when it seems like you have nothing to give.

Kind hearts are the gardens. Kind thoughts are the roots. Kind words are the blossoms. Kind deeds are the fruits.

Kirpal Singh

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.

Jane Goodall

We rise by lifting others.

Robert Ingersoll

Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.

Kahlil Gibran

Kindness has a beautiful way of reaching down into a weary heart and making it shine like the rising sun.

All the research in the world about kindness doesn’t matter until we take it to heart and commit to action.

Approach doing acts of kindness the Kaizen way — one small act at a time. Doing this often yields fabulous results. You can even start with yourself.

How much safer and happier would people be if they treated themselves with kindness? We might eradicate bullying behavior altogether.

Start your ripple today.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Relationships Exercises for free .

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• Bloom, P. (2017, January 18). Less empathy, more kindness: The difference between empathy and compassion and why it matters. Garrison Institute. Retrieved from https://www.garrisoninstitute.org/blog/less-empathy-more-kindness/
• Bluth, K., & Blanton, P. W. (2014). Mindfulness and self-compassion: Exploring pathways to adolescent emotional well-being. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 23 , 1298-1309.
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• Canter, D., Youngs, D., & Yaneva, M. (2017). Towards a measure of kindness: An exploration of a neglected interpersonal trait.  Personality and Individual Differences ,  106 , 15-20.
• Hamilton, D. R. (2017). The five side effects of kindness: This book will make you feel better, be happier, and live longer . Hay House.
• Haskins, G., & Gill, A. (2018, October 1). The value of kindness in corporate leadership. The Governance Institute. Retrieved from https://www.icsa.org.uk/knowledge/governance-and-compliance/features/kindness-corporate-leadership
• Hepach, R., Vaish, A., & Tomasello, M. (2012). Young children are intrinsically motivated to see others helped.  Psychological Science ,  23 (9), 967-972.
• Huta, V., & Waterman, A. S. (2014). Eudaimonia and its distinction from hedonia: Developing a classification and terminology for understanding conceptual and operational definitions.  Journal of Happiness Studies ,  15 (6), 1425-1456.
• Jackson, M. (2012). The pursuit of happiness: The social and scientific origins of Hans Selye’s natural philosophy of life.  History of the Human Sciences ,  25 (5), 13-29.
• Karns, C. M., Moore III, W. E., & Mayr, U. (2017). The cultivation of pure altruism via gratitude: a functional MRI study of change with gratitude practice.  Frontiers in Human Neuroscience ,  11 .
• Lamm, M. (2000, October 22). Day to day Judaism: Kindness. Aish. Retrieved from https://www.aish.com/jl/i/i/48944871.html
• Luks, A., & Payne, P. (2001). The healing power of doing good. iUniverse.com.
• Otake, K., Shimai, S., Tanaka-Matsumi, J., Otsui, K., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2006). Happy people become happier through kindness: A counting kindnesses intervention.  Journal of Happiness Studies ,  7 (3), 361-375.
• Oxford Living Dictionaries. (2019, April 22). Altruism. Retrieved from https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/altruism
• Pam, M.S. (2013, May 11). Kindness. Psychology Dictionary. Retrieved from https://psychologydictionary.org/kindness/
• Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. American Psychological Association. Oxford University Press.
• Pletti, C., Scheel, A., & Paulus, M. (2017). Intrinsic altruism or social motivation—what does pupil dilation tell us about children’s helping behavior? Frontiers in Psychology ,  8.
• Raes, F., Pommier, E., Neff, K. D., & Van Gucht, D. (2011). Construction and factorial validation of a short form of the self‐compassion scale. Clinical psychology & psychotherapy, 18(3) , 250-255.</>
• Rand, D. G., Greene, J. D., & Nowak, M. A. (2012). Spontaneous giving and calculated greed.  Nature ,  489 (7416), 427-430.
• Rowland, L. (2018, February). Kindness – society’s golden chain? The Psychologist. Retrieved from https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/volume-2018/february-2018/kindness-societys-golden-chain
• Rowland, L., & Curry, O. S. (2019). A range of kindness activities boost happiness.  The Journal of Social Psychology ,  159 (3), 340-343.
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• Tashjiian, S. (2018, March 2017). Does it pay to be kind? Psychology in Action. Retrieved from https://www.psychologyinaction.org/psychology-in-action-1/2018/3/27/does-it-pay-to-be-kind
• Wallace, J. (2018, June 11). The value of kindness. Carnegie UK Trust. Retrieved from https://www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/blog/the-value-of-kindness/

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This is so helpful, I am just framing my research into kindness at work and this has provided many avenues to explore. I am also a ‘Rippler’ and would second Jo’s encouragement to join our BetheRipple movement.

Yours kindly Alex

This is so lovely, thank you so much for putting this together. What an uplifting and wonderful curated resource.

If anyone reading would like to get more involved with bringing kindness into workplaces and the world, please take a look at #BeTheRipple:

Twitter: @BeTheRipple2020

We would love you to join our community ❤️

Kori, This article itself, is an act of kindness. The comprehensive nature of it, and the amount of work that it reflects, show a true devotion to your cause. By delving into this topic, and promoting it’s benefits, I’m sure that you are, indeed, helping to foster a kinder world. I stumbled across it while working on a scholarly article about the therapist’s balance between “kindness” and “therapeutic boundaries”.

Kori – Simply Brilliant!

Kori D. Miller, Thank you for writing such a thought provoking, research backed, heart warming article. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every word of this. My teacher originally added the link of this article in our “to read” section of a “Science of Wellbeing” course I am currently taking, and I’m grateful she did. I can agree with her that this was a beautiful read. I look forward to reading more pieces from you and PositivePsychology.com in the future. Thank you again.

Hello there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.

That’s so kind of you.

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89 Best Quotes About Kindness for a Better World

Kindness matters.

Every act of kindness you show can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Living out kindness on a daily basis takes practice, but leads to a lifestyle and mindset shift that implores us to meet the world — and each other — with greater empathy and justice.

Kindness asks us to extend our approach beyond niceties and good manners, and into transformative action, compassionate and intentional inclusion, and empowering solutions . 

Kindness is a choice, a muscle we all flex, and could frankly use a little more of our attention. 

To help us do so, we’ve collected the best quotes about kindness. We encourage you to share and use this list to help fill the world with more kindness.

You might also like:

• How to celebrate World Kindness Day
• How to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day
• The best ideas for random acts of kindness

The Best Kindness Quotes 

Famous kindness quotes.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ― Ian MacLaren

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ― Aesop

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” — Dalai Lama

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” ― Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt

“It takes courage to be kind.” — Maya Angelou  

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” — Seneca

“If we are asking for the world to be kind, we must first ask what are we doing to add more kindness to the world. If we are asking for the world to be more loving, we must first ask what are we doing to add more love to the world. We are the vessels for the things we seek.” — Joél Leon

“How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” — Morgan Freeman

You might also like: Quotes about doing good |  Quotes about making a difference | Quotes about activism | Quotes about giving back | Quotes about caring

Inspirational Quotes

“I have seen human beings do and become terrible things as they destroy the world. I have also learned that only those things made of kindness, justice, and hope can save the world.” — Danté Stewart

“Quick reminder: Kindness and justice are not synonymous. Be kind. And advocate and work for justice. Lives depend on it.” ​​— Bernice King

“Kindness is giving hope to those who think they are all alone in this world.” — RAKtivist

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

“Kindness can only be repaid with kindness. It can’t be repaid with expressions like ‘thank you’ and then forgotten.” — Malala Yousafzai , I Am Malala

“When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” — Abraham Joshua Heschel

“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” — Albert Schweitzer

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” — Dr. Seuss

“When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world.” — Harold Kushner

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Jane Goodall

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

“The best life strategy? Be loving, be kind, be intentional, and be authentically you — not the shadow version of self masquerading and parading as you. The version with all the flaws, the baggage, and the love; that you that exists in spite of whatever the world may throw at you.” — Joél Leon

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” ― Roy T. Bennett

Related: Quotes About Hope

On Compassion

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” ― Kahlil Gibran

“With all of the bad things that are happening in the world right now, I think we need a message of togetherness and true unity. I believe that starts with personal reflection and then we can find kindness toward each other.” ― Marielle Heller

“I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness.” ― Mother Teresa , A Gift for God: Prayers and Meditations

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ― Dalai Lama

“When words are both true and kind, they can change the world.” ― Buddha

“If a person seems wicked, do not cast him away. Awaken him with your words, elevate him with your deeds, repay his injury with your kindness. Do not cast him away; cast away his wickedness.” ― Lao-Tzu

Related: Quotes About Humanity

On the Religion of Kindness

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” ― Dalai Lama

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

“I honor the sanctity of all religions — I'm not here to put them down. But the only religion that I personally embrace is the religion of kindness.” ― Leslie Jordan

Related: Quotes About Making a Difference

“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.”

― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison

“Everyone on Earth, they’d tell us, was carrying around an unseen history, and that alone deserved some tolerance.” — Michelle Obama , Becoming

“Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.” — George Sand

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference.” — Helen James

“I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.” — Maya Angelou

Related: Quotes About Caring

Short Quotes For Kids

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” ― Anne Frank

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” ― Henry James

“Be a little kinder than you have to.” ― E. Lockhart, We Were Liars

“Forget injuries; never forget kindness.” ― Confucius

“Always try to be a little kinder than is necessary.” ― J M Barrie

“If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it.” ― Lucy Larcom

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” ― William Arthur Ward

“Kindness is always in stock” ― Katy Perry, in a tweet

“How beautiful a day can be, when kindness touches it!” ― George Elliston

“Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud” ― Maya Angelou

“In the end only kindness matters” ― Jewel

“We rise by lifting others.” ― Robert Ingersoll

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

“To kindness and love, the things we need most!” ― The Grinch

Related: Short Quotes

Showing Kindness To Others

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” ― Mark Twain

“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a Woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.” ― Audrey Hepburn

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” ― Lao-Tzu

“Being kind means responding to the needs of others — and people can be kind, no matter how old or young we are.” ― Fred Rogers

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” ― Robert F. Kennedy

“One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will be a friend better than any possession.” ― Sophocles

“True beauty is born through our actions and aspirations and in the kindness we offer to others.” ― Alek Wek

 “It takes so much energy to be mean. It takes much less to be nice.” — Leah Thomas

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

“Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.” ― Og Mandino

“The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good and how he treats people who can't fight back.” ― Abigail Van Buren

“Kindness can transform someone's dark moment with a blaze of light. you'll never know how much your caring matters. make a difference for another today.” ― Amy Leigh Mercree

Related: Quotes About Activism

Showing Kindness To Animals

“You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.” ― Paul McCartney

“Compassion for animals is intimately associated with goodness of character, and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man.” ― Arthur Schopenhauer, The Basis Of Morality

“So often when you start talking about kindness to animals someone comments that starving and mistreated children should come first. The issue can’t be divided like that. It isn’t a choice between children and animals. It’s our duty to care for both. Kindness is the important thing. Kids and animals are our responsibility.” — Minnie Pearl

“It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal” — Joaquin Phoenix

Showing Kindness To Yourself

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important,” ― Kathryn Stockett, The Help

“Be kind to yourself, to others and everything around you.” — Alexandrto a Stoddard

“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” — Jack Kornfield

“Be kind to yourself this evening. Buy something for yourself. Treat yourself to a meal. Look at the mirror and give a smile to yourself.” — Yoko Ono, in a tweet

“You’ve been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” — Louise L. Hay

“Being kind to others is a way of being good to yourself.” — Harold S. Kushner

“Ask yourself: have you been kind today? Make kindness your modus operandi and change your world.” — Annie Lennox

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves” — James Matthew Barrie

Related: Quotes About Self Care

More Kindness Quotes

“Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” — Jackie Chan

“To extend yourself in kindness to anybody is an extension in kindness in the world.” — Oprah Winfrey

“Kindness isn’t a tactic. It’s a command… Civility and decency aren’t incompatible with ‘taking sides.’ It doesn’t require anyone to fold in the face of angry opposition. Kindness doesn’t conflict with conviction, and our commitments to kindness are biblically inseparable from our commitments to justice. We aren’t to choose between them, we’re to embrace them both.” — David French, on faith

“The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty, and truth” — Albert Einstein

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” — Princess Diana

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace, and a soul generated by love.” — Coretta Scott King

“Never lose a chance of saying a kind word.” — William Makepeace Thackeray

“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” — Jean-Jacques Rousseau

“Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the figure of a free people. a nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” — Edith Wharton

“Kind hearts are the gardens. Kind thoughts are the roots. Kind words are the blossoms. Kind deeds are the fruits.” — Kirpal Singh

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give” — Winston Churchill

“It doesn't cost me anything to be kind.” — Paddington

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59 Powerful Quotes from John F. Kennedy

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61 Best Quotes About Making a Difference in the World

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How to Write Your Personal Code of Ethics + Examples

• POSTED ON November 2, 2023
• by Marcjean Yutuc

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In a world where external codes of ethics often shape our behavior, it’s essential to remember that your personal values are equally significant. While your workplace may provide a code of ethics outlining professional conduct and expectations, crafting your own personal code of ethics empowers you to align your actions with your deeply held beliefs and ideals. 

This blog will delve into the importance of developing a personal code of ethics, offering insights into how it can enrich your life and decision-making process. As you read further, you’ll discover inspiring personal code of ethics examples that will help you envision and craft your unique ethical framework. 

Join us on this enlightening journey as we explore the profound impact of creating a personal code of ethics in the realm of personal development and ethical living.

What is a code of ethics?

To understand the essence of a personal code of ethics, let us first uncover what “code of ethics” means. A code of ethics is usually a set of principles that a company, organization, or business follows. Its primary purpose is to guide the organization members on how to properly conduct business that is in line with the company values. Usually, these values include integrity, honesty, and professionalism. 

Otherwise known as the “ethical code,” an organization’s code of ethics is an umbrella term that covers areas concerning professional conduct. These areas include business ethics, code of conduct for employees, and code of professional practice. Simply put, it ensures that everyone within the organization follows a standard when it comes to ethical behavior in their everyday work.

An organization’s code of ethics may differ greatly from another organization, but in general, they all are similar in the sense that they govern members to do what is right. They are usually under the basis of what is generally accepted by society as right or wrong.

What is the importance of having a personal code of ethics?

If you’re still not convinced that you need a personal code of ethics, below are some key reasons why having one is essential.

It gives you a foundation to help you make big decisions

A lot of people struggle with the decision-making process. If you look towards more successful people and influential leaders in your organization or community, you will find that they have some personal code of ethics that guides them. 

A personal code of ethics is particularly important if you are in a position that requires you to make decisions frequently, such as if you are a leader or manager. It will serve as the foundation upon which all of your decisions can stand. You will feel a lot more determined and stand by your decisions with conviction if you know that they are grounded upon your own belief system.

Read more: Decision-Making Tips for Business

It functions as a standard for good behavior

In connection to making good decisions, having a personal code of ethics allows you to make good choices that align with good behavior. Usually, a personal code of ethics is morally aligned to help a person act not only in his own best interest but also in the community or surroundings around him.

It allows you to lead others effectively

A good leader has to be concise, quick to think, empathetic, and have a good moral compass. A personal code of ethics helps you become the most effective leader you could possibly be for the people around you. You don’t necessarily need to be a manager to practice leadership skills . Inspiring the people around you and even self-governance are equally just as important.

It instills a sense of trust in people around you

If you are an effective and moral leader, it will be easier for people around to trust you. Moreover, people usually trust those whom they have similar values with, or whose values they can relate to. If people are aware of your personal code of ethics, they will know exactly how to approach you and what things you may or may not appreciate. This predictability further fosters a sense of trust.

It is a source of self-motivation

Since a personal code of ethics allows you to steward yourself, you will also find that you can motivate yourself. You will find it easier to start projects and finish them on time since you have a sense of accountability towards yourself through your personal code of ethics.

Learn more: What Causes Lack of Self-Awareness

How to write a personal code of ethics

If you agree that having a personal code of ethics is a good idea, here are some pointers to consider when drafting your own code of ethics to serve as your guiding principles:

Why are you writing a personal code of ethics?

The first thing you need to uncover before you even begin is your motivation for writing a personal code of ethics. What do you think is its purpose for you? How do you plan to use it, and why do you think you need one?

Knowing the reason why you are writing a code of ethics for yourself will help you determine where to start as you write it. It will also help you tailor your code of ethics to achieve a specific goal you want to reach or a personal challenge that you want to overcome, similar to that of a personal mission statement.

One way you can determine the purpose of your personal code is through mindfulness. Learn more about how you can use spiritual mindfulness to experience personal growth through this course:

Spiritual Mindfulness: A Powerful Course For Personal Growth

This course helps you build a strong connection with yourself, so you can gain clarity and come to know your true purpose in life. Taught by an experienced spirituality expert, it cuts through the noise of complexity and is delivered in a way that’s easy to understand even if it’s your first time taking a personal development course online.

What are your top personal traits?

How would you describe yourself? While this question may seem like something you would only hear during a job interview , it is important to ask when trying to determine which values are on the top of your list as you write your code of ethics.

To do this, make a list of the traits or characteristics that strongly define who you are. Examples are kindness, honesty, passion for excellence, prudence, hard work, diligence, and respect for others. Apart from introspection, you may also ask people around you to describe you or see if they agree with your own list of characteristics.

Knowing the personal traits you possess will allow you to create a more honest personal code of ethics that you can stick to with ease because it reflects values that are already inherent within you.

Describe your relationship with others

Another thing you have to consider before crafting your code of ethics is the nature, state, and quality of your personal relationships. Make an assessment of how you relate to those around you, at work or at home. 

Coming to terms with the state of your relationships allows you to see areas where you may want to improve. Would you want to communicate better with the people around you? Do you think you should treat others with more kindness? How would you want those closest to you to remember you?

Write a set of statements that you would like to follow

This is the part where you begin to draft your personal code of ethics. Based on the traits that you possess and the relationships you currently have, what characteristics would you like to move forward?

It would help if your statements are to the point and realistic so that you are more likely to follow through.

Set clear guidelines for each statement

A statement alone may not be enough to help you decide whether or not to pursue an activity or behavior. There are a lot of possible grey areas that may surround a specific code. That is why it is important to set clear guidelines that explain each statement in more detail. 

Professional versus personal code of ethics

The main difference between a personal and a professional code of ethics is that the former relates to the person’s values in life, whereas the latter relates to the person’s values in the workplace. 

For example, a personal code of ethics will let you tell the truth because you believe in honesty and integrity. On the other hand, a professional code of ethics demands that you tell the truth because it is specified in the code of conduct that lying is a misdemeanor in the workplace. Another example is respect. While a personal code dictates that you respect older people, people in service, and the authorities, a professional code dictates that you respect your boss and higher management.

That means that a personal code of ethics encompasses a person’s entire personal life and personal choices while a professional code of ethics is purely related to the rules found within your job.

Personal code of ethics examples from thought leaders

My personal code of ethics is based on a few simple values that are important to me. First and foremost, I value honesty and integrity above all else; being honest and having integrity is the cornerstone of living a good life. I also appreciate compassion, kindness, and respect; I believe that we should all treat others with compassion, kindness, and respect, regardless of who they are or what they have done. Finally, I believe in continuous learning and improvement; it is essential never to stop learning and growing as a person. We should always be striving to improve ourselves and the world around us. 

Randy VanderVaate | CEO and Founder, Funeral Funds America

We all have beliefs, and we use those in our personal and career life. As a founder, I have various codes of ethics, but I stick with the influential one, “respect doesn’t require a higher social level.” I always devote myself to this to bring understanding and stop society’s discrimination against those trying to live honorably, even the means of minimum wage income. Let’s be open that money and position are not the reason for getting the courtesy we deserve.

April Maccario | Founder, Ask April

A personal code of ethics refers to our values and beliefs that guide our decisions and actions. As a founder, part of my personal code of ethics is to treat others the way I want to get treated. I believe that we cannot demand from others what we cannot give ourselves. So, if we want other people to show us kindness, respect, or other good things, then this is also how we should treat others.

Sonya Schwartz | Founder, Her Norm

My personal statement is inspired by my favorite poem “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann: I will always speak my truth clearly and calmly and prioritize listening to others. There is always someone better or worse than me, so I will not compare myself with others. I will be doing my work with my heart, and besides a healthy discipline, I will be gentle with myself. There is only one life, so I should live it the best I can. I will be cheerful. I will strive for happiness.

Rafal Mlodzki | CEO, Passport Photo Online

In our lives having high ethics is essential. I have a personal code of ethics that I consider in both my personal life and career. In every part of my daily existence, I constantly maintain my integrity. I understand that integrity is cliche, but believe me it is something that makes a big difference. I constantly exercise integrity because good deeds are rewarded at the end of the day.

Darryl Higgins | Founder, Athlete Desk

For me, a code of ethics is a foundation for effective communication in both personal and professional life. By adhering to the values and principles outlined in the corporate code of ethics, I can better understand the expectations of the people I work with and foster positive relationships with them. A solid code of ethics serves as a framework for making ethical decisions, and that’s where success comes from!

Greg Larnell | CEO, Custom Writings

Key Takeaways

Writing your personal code of ethics is a journey of self-discovery. It can be a challenging process, but it is also an incredibly rewarding one. By taking the time to reflect on your core values and beliefs, you can create a roadmap for living a more authentic and fulfilling life.

But the journey of personal development doesn’t end here. If you’re eager to further enhance your skills and explore a wide range of personal development resources, subscribe to Skill Success All Access Pass . With this subscription, you gain access to our extensive library of courses, including an array of personal development courses that can empower you to become the best version of yourself.

 Subscribe now and continue your pursuit of personal development excellence!

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Marcjean Yutuc

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• Knowledge Base
• Applying to graduate school
• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

College essays

• College essay examples
• College essay format
• College essay style
• College essay length
• Diversity essays
• Scholarship essays

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Avoiding repetition
• Literature review
• Conceptual framework
• Dissertation outline
• Thesis acknowledgements
• Burned or burnt
• Canceled or cancelled
• Dreamt or dreamed
• Gray or grey
• Theater vs theatre

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300+ Powerful Personal Vision Statement Examples (Ultimate list)

Take a look at the personal vision statement examples below to isolate and identify a crystal clear vision for your personal life.

Everyone who’s ever made a serious impact or achieved personal success has had a vision of how the world would be once they were successful.

People with vision are almost brainwashed into thinking the world could be changed simply by their effort and imagination.

• They’re the champions of life and society.
• We look up to them, we admire their fierce determination and unstoppable approach to life.

Writing a vision statement helps with goal setting and achieving inspirational life goals. You inevitably go through personal value exploration and get closer to your personal aspirations. In other words, you win.

Before you go through the article, open these articles and read them later .

• Self Discovery Exercises
• How to write a personal vision statement
• Visualization techniques for reeling in your vision
• Vision statements vs mission statements
• Personal mission statement examples
• Evolving your mission statement over time

What is a Vision (statement)?

A personal vision statement is your GPS guidance system for life. It uses your strengths, inspiration, compassion, values and ambition as a reference point for all the decisions you make in life.

Don’t confused a vision statement with your mission statement , which is is what you do each day ( short-term goals ) to reach the end result (your vision).

Companies use vision statements to be the deciding factor when it comes to making basic and strategic decisions.

In a world where you have endless options that could occupy your time, getting results in your personal growth requires that your actions be effective , and a personal vision statement gives you a map for making this so.

Personal vision statements are:

• A strategy for getting the results you want in life
• A map that shows you how to reach the summit of your dreams
• A story you tell about the impact and mark you will leave on the world
• Your guide for saying “yes” and “no” in a sea of endless options

A small statement can give you a goal oriented vision, clarity and purpose in life, gasoline for goal setting and motivation. It helps you aign your mission and vision and accomplish your aspirations and dreams.

Goal-oriented vision Clarity in life purpose Mission and vision alignment Goal setting and motivation Aspirations and dreams

Personal Vision Statement Examples

Here are some of the best examples of principle personal vision statements.

• “A world free of animal cruelty.”
• “That the future is free of corruption.”
• “Everyone in my city is healthy and happy.”
• “To see a resurgence of small food businesses.”
• “Aiding people in not allowing fear to run their lives.”
• “A future where expecting mothers have all the resources they need to be successful single moms.”
• “To eliminate the difference between educations gotten by kids of wealthy parents and those with struggling parents.”
• “I want to see a resurgence of libraries and free information in the world.”
• “A world with decentralized food and more locally grown produce.”
• “A government where taxes are fair and run the way they’re supposed to run.”
• “A world free of needless war.”
• “To have an abundant life for me and my family.”
• “The whole world coming to me to hear my advice on issues I’m qualified to speak on.”
• “Being happy with what I have and not endlessly desiring more.”
• “I envision a life where I show others how to rise above their current circumstances and achieve success.”
• “For my country to never have to worry about what’s in their food.”
• “A world free of racism”
• “To have everyone in the country eating my delicious food”
• “Decreasing the food wasted in my community.”
• “To decrease the amount of homeless, and to help the homeless who just need aid getting back on their feet.”
• “To be the greatest athlete ever.”
• “To know every nook and cranny of the world and discover it’s treasures.”
• “A judicial system that is fair to everyone.”
• “To make sure that all children are protected always.”
• “To live in a society where everyone believes in their potential.”
• “To inspire the worlds youth to think big, have serious impact on society and overcome obstacles using my experience having to do it all on my own.”
• “To live life as fully as I can, grow my reality to match my internal growth and die with no regrets.”
• “To transform the world of business into a customer-centric environment that is focused on exellent quality service and ideal capitalism rather than instant gratification and profit.”
• “To educate parents all over the world how to raise children that will be well prepared for all the challenges they will face in their generation.”

30 Short Personal Vision Statement Examples

• Guiding others to success through mentorship and support.
• Fostering innovation and creativity for a brighter future.
• Leading with integrity, leaving a legacy of trust.
• Spreading joy and positivity in every interaction.
• Championing diversity and inclusion for a harmonious world.
• Empowering others to unlock their full potential.
• Embracing change with resilience and adaptability.
• Advocating for environmental sustainability and awareness.
• Promoting health and well-being for all.
• Cultivating a community of lifelong learners.
• Making a difference through acts of kindness.
• Encouraging personal growth and self-discovery.
• Striving for excellence in every endeavor.
• Building bridges of understanding between cultures.
• Cultivating a culture of collaboration and teamwork.
• Fostering a spirit of continuous improvement.
• Creating opportunities for others to shine.
• Advancing knowledge and education for everyone.
• Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
• Expressing gratitude and appreciation daily.
• Building a foundation of trust and transparency.
• Inspiring others to overcome obstacles.
• Nurturing a sense of community and belonging.
• Balancing ambition with mindfulness and presence.
• Being a beacon of positivity in times of adversity.
• Championing social justice and equality.
• Creating spaces for open dialogue and understanding.
• Encouraging a mindset of lifelong curiosity.
• Cultivating a spirit of resilience in the face of challenges.
• Fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth.

Personal Vision Statement Examples for Life

Life vision examples can be a little vague, obscure, but are practical when you have no idea how you want to live your life. You can just write some generic things down to get a grasp of how you want your life to play out. Try some of the vision statement examples listed below to get some self discovery juices flowing.

• Living a life filled with purpose, passion, and meaningful connections.
• Striving for a life that balances personal and professional fulfillment.
• Creating a life story that is a testament to resilience and perseverance.
• Embracing each day with gratitude, seeking joy in every moment.
• Living a life guided by principles of kindness, empathy, and generosity.
• Pursuing a life of continuous learning and personal growth.
• Building a life that reflects one’s core values and beliefs.
• Fostering a life of harmonious balance between work and personal pursuits.
• Embodying a life philosophy centered around love, compassion, and understanding.
• Living a life that leaves a positive legacy for future generations.
• Embracing challenges as opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
• Building a life that serves as a source of inspiration for others.
• Living a life that values experiences and relationships over material possessions.
• Fostering a life filled with resilience, adaptability, and perseverance.
• Creating a life that aligns personal ambitions with a sense of purpose.
• Striving for a life that contributes positively to the well-being of the planet.
• Building a life rooted in mindfulness and present-moment awareness.
• Embracing a life philosophy that promotes mental and emotional well-being.
• Living authentically, true to one’s values and beliefs.
• Creating a life that leaves a legacy of kindness, compassion, and positive impact.

Personal Vision Statement Examples For High Achievers

• “I envision a life where where I am confident in my goals, and those around me are inspired by my dedication.”
• “My vision is constantly break barriers, ceilings and show others what is truly possible.”
• “To live my life so that there are no regrets when its over.”
• “To accomplish something so great others read about me in history books in the future.”
• “To always project an aura of capability to others so that they are inspired to work with me, or move out of my way.”

The most important thing to understand about the vision of an achievement/accomplishment focused individual is their need for highly impactful, important goals. High achievers need to be optimistic about the action they take and be hyper focused on results.

Vision Statement: A world where everyone has precisely what they need to accomplish the huge goals and dreams they have or their own lives

Personal Vision Statement Examples For Nurturers

• “Everyone knows I am reliable and that they can count on me.”
• “I will always be full of energy for others because I know how to take care of myself.”
• “To be extremely skilled at identifying the root of the problem someone is having.”
• “To tap into the emotions of everyone who needs my help.”
• “To offer practical comfort, but also give people the skills they need to be strong in the future.”

Nurturing people are by nature caring and protective. They like to help others make sure their needs are met, even if sometimes they forget to take care of their own needs.

When discover what type of nurturer you are, look at your personality, and decide how it is you help others most effectively.

Vision Statement: Seeing that the world’s children and those suffering always have the care and emotional protection they require to get through tough times.

Personal Vision Statement Examples For Highly Intelligent People

• “A world that only follows the rules when the rules are beneficial to follow – otherwise, break them.”
• “Highly adaptable companies that aren’t only interested in pushing the status quo”
• “I envision that society values all types of genius, not just one.”
• “My vision is a world that always questions, “Yes, but why?'”
• “To inspire more value on innovation. We want the automobile, not a faster horse.”

Highly intelligent people are often skeptical, critically thought out, highly adaptable, outlier like human beings. Because of this, they are capable of leaving behind significant contributions.

Vision Statement: To increase the value and scope of mathematics and scientific discovery in the third world, where geniuses are left undiscovered.

Personal Vision Statement Examples For Leaders / Leadership

• “A world where everyone lives up to their full potential”
• “That my people will always believe in themselves and their goals”
• “To be such a good leader that my services are no longer required.”
• “To inspire others to find their own unique destiny”
• “That all leaders will set a much higher standard of what it means to be stewards and care for others”

Being a good leader means to inspire others to think, feel and act in ways that are beneficial to them and others. Good leaders are experienced, well advanced in their personal growth, and posses a service attitude.

Vision Statement: To increase the standard and quality of the worlds leaders through rigorous training and strengthening of character in today’s youth.

Personal Vision Statement Examples For Introverts

• That all human beings will understand the value of loving being alone with themselves.
• To show others how to create long lasting deep relationships.
• All CEO’s and entrepreneurs understanding the value of deep focus.
• People understanding how to tap into a state of hyper creativity.
• People with mental illness having the skills to be alone with their own thoughts.

Being an introvert in an extrovert dominated world might make you think you’ve got nothing to offer, but, being hyper-stimulated in their brain and mind, introverts have strengths are are valuable to the world and cannot be found anywhere else in the same capacity that they posses.

In general, introverted people have brains that experience heightened levels of stimulation, and adding more environmental stimulation to that exhausts there resources. It’s the reason why you feel tired after handling all your responsibilities that require you to interact with others.

But introverted types are deeply thoughtful, creative, and focused individuals that can accomplish great things by themselves.

Vision Statement: That society will see an increased popularity and need for work at home jobs.

Personal Vision Statement Examples For Extroverts

Extrovert Defined: an outgoing, overtly expressive person.

Even though you would have to take a personality test to decide where are the spectrum of introversion and extraversion you are, in general extroverts will bring the skills of being able to handle the spotlight better than others, enjoying working in groups and having discussions with others in order to solve big problems.

If you think you’re heavily skewed to the extroverted side of life, you can take a look at these example vision statements below.

• I imagine myself being the leader or large companies that change society.
• Me bringing others together to discuss serious problems in the world.
• I will connect different cultures, societies and alienated groups of people with each other to create a more connected and understanding world.
• I see me being on a stage giving inspiring and motivating talks to large groups of people.
• I will inspire the world to feel comfortable being outgoing and helpful.

Extroverted Vision Statement: A world where walking up to someone and starting a conversation is no longer seen as weird.

Personal Vision Statement Examples For Adventurers

Adventurers are passionate, sensitive, artistic and curious. They are fiercely independent and sometimes unpredictable because their sense of adventure literally leads them toward the most interesting prospect. You may possess skills that cannot be measured by the normal means, and so occupations, arenas and atmospheres where that is prevalent make you uncomfortable.

When we here the word adventurer, we might think of Indiana Jones, and that can be true. However, this type of person might not necessarily be traveling and looking for buried treasure all the time. This can make holding a long term career that requires extensive long term planning difficult for you, but that doesn’t mean you have nothing to offer.

When thinking of the ideal vision for your life, think about the words: diversity, multitude of experience, fun, exciting and possibly travel. Actually, definitely travel.

• I imagine traveling the world and taking beautiful photos of far away places.
• I am the person who makes all the celebrities look beautiful for movies and other appearances.
• I imagine helping the greatest real estate companies find prime locations across the world.
• I will create a life where I can study different animal species and ecosystems.
• I want to ( insert what you love doing the most ) and will be able to be where ever I want while doing it.

Vision Statement: Lower air fare, and increased availability for young people to travel and see the world during their youth

Personal Vision Statement Examples for College Students

The vision of college students varies by generation. The most recent generations are Baby boomers were dedicated and hardy workers, Generation X were more highly educated and independent, and millennials, who are most characterized by our desire to have a serious impact on society.

The generation in college right now is Generation Z, who (believe it or not) do have some admirable qualities.

• Highly optimistic
• Value social responsibility
• They’re skilled with technology having practically been born inside of it.

Regardless of some of the more toxic views of Generation Z: they reject institutional structures that work and are time tested, they’re seen as snow flakes, etc… there is a deep desire for stability, flexibility and development.

Every generation has it’s toxic elements, and each generation needs to understand them, grow through them and emerge strong, stable, and capable.

If you’re Gen Z, and desire to navigate through a jungle of criticism, emerge victorious and live a comfortable life (during and after college) try these examples of personal vision statements below.

• “To understand what I want from life and have a plan for that before college is done.”
• “Feeling in control, peaceful and effective while attending.”
• “To have a source of income before I graduate.”
• “To finish college and already be studying under a mentor “
• “I Envision having the essence of learning your topic/subject and having a well rounded understanding of it rather than just a superficial one”
• “To have maintained 3.3 GPA, become comfortable with a new sport/activity, and kept a decent social life.”
• “I imagine being able to use my major for something instead of wasting my time at college”
• “To have most of my debt actually paid off.”
• “My vision is to leave college already having a 5 year plan for my life.”
• “To avoid the senior year panic where I have no idea what I’m going to do with my life.”

Vision Statement Examples for Community Colleges

Many of the personal development, entrepreneur and business guides on social media are alerting kids that a 4 year school isn’t worth $200k of un-erasable debt. With that, many are choosing to go to community colleges.

• However, if you’re the head of a community college, you might still feel you struggle with getting rid of the stigma community colleges have always had.
• Community colleges are schools for those who didn’t get in the first time
• The education is weaker and no better than a certificate
• You can’t get a good job at community college

Your vision statements could use some fine tuning . Make them more specific the problems your students are facing rather than something broad or vague.

Try these vision statement examples:

• All students will feel prepared for their chosen field, even with only a two year degree.
• I imagine being able to prove soundly to others that our curriculum, work load and qualifications are just as good as any other 4 year school.
• We envision employers taking students who attend school here very seriously.
• Our vision is that our students absorb the most from their time here, while being able to balance work and social life.
• We envision a school where students can explore several options that align with that they want to do with their lives.
• Confused students leave with a clear vision of their future.
• Nobody who attends our school feels like they need to choose between their education and other important things in their lives.

Elementary school vision statements

As an elementary school you can use several avenues to craft a vision statement:

• Desires for your children
• Issues you deal with as administrators
• Overall problems your students face

When it comes to issues elementary schools face, you could craft at least twenty different vision statements from those alone. Elementary schools are normally public schools, and public schools are always concerned about: classroom size, student health, home life, state funding, and the attitude of their students.

Try these vision statements to whip your elementary school into shape.

• Our vision is for all class sized to not exceed 18
• We envision proving to the state that we deserve all the funding we need to succeed and flourish
• To inspire parents to have a good program for their children while at home, so they’re inspired and prepared during school hours.
• Our vision a school where all teachers are as good with technology as our students.
• We have a very effective way of managing violence and bullying.
• I envision that all students at my school understanding the value or education, love to learn and take their time at school seriously.
• Our school teaches the essence of subjects, and our testing proves our students grasp on the material (and not just that they’re good memorization machines.)
• A school with healthy meals, excellent extracurricular activities, and kids who are serious about their health here and at home.

Vision Statement Examples for High Schools

High schools can craft their vision statements by understanding the problems and goals they’re dealing with. As a high school you worry about keeping your students interested in their education (not dropping out), maintaining teenage stress and anxiety, guiding directionless kids and preparing them for college while their going through the most tumultuous four years of their lives.

You’ll need more than good luck or this one. Use these high school vision statements below for inspiration.

• My vision is a school where students gracefully make the transition between their public and our private institution.
• We envision a place where understanding the value of preparing for life after school even if they don’t know what they want to do yet.
• Our school successfully guides students to knowing themselves deeply and understanding what they will do with their lives.
• This is a school that provides opportunities for those who do not wish to pursue undergraduate education.
• The facilities, texts and technology at our school facilitates higher learning and convinces kids that learning is modern and necessary.

Personal Vision Statements for Teachers

For teachers like you to create vision statements you want to understand the dynamic between you, your students and the school. Schools as institutions might face issues you’re ignorant of. You’re also not a teenager anymore, and may have forgotten what it’s like to be budding, bullied and confused while the teacher is telling you to behave. You also could benefit from understanding your own needs and desires while creating a grand vision for your teaching career.

Try these (teachers) vision statements out:

• I associate with my students using the same technology and understanding of their environment as they do.
• I imagine valuing teaching as much as I want students to value learning.
• Teachers are this school are as disciplined as we expect our students to be.
• We constantly show our students that we’ve not given up on them even when they have.
• My vision is that my teaching environment eclipses whatever exists outside the school and at home (in a good way).

Personal vision statement examples for Christians

• Living out Christ’s teachings through acts of love and compassion.
• Serving others with humility and grace as a reflection of God’s love.
• Building a community rooted in faith, hope, and charity.
• Spreading the Gospel through words and deeds of kindness.
• Embodying Christ’s light in every interaction and relationship.
• Dedicating life to being a vessel of God’s grace and forgiveness.
• Fostering a spirit of generosity and selfless giving.
• Reflecting God’s love by treating others with dignity and respect.
• Being a source of comfort and support in times of need.
• Committing to a life of prayer, seeking guidance from above.
• Living a life that reflects the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
• Building a legacy of faith and devotion for future generations.
• Extending hospitality and welcome to all, mirroring Christ’s inclusivity.
• Responding to challenges with faith, courage, and trust in God.
• Being a living testament to the transformative power of God’s love.
• Sharing the joy of salvation through words and actions.
• Expressing gratitude for God’s blessings through a life well-lived.
• Nurturing a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.
• Honoring God in all endeavors, acknowledging His sovereignty.
• Promoting a spirit of unity among believers and beyond.

Personal Vision Statement Examples for Work and Career

To write a vision statement for your work and career , focus on growth, skills, attitude and resourcefulness. Employers and work environments in general reward those who have qualities that take problems away from the organization itself.

The qualities all employers want in employees are (not limited to):

• Ability to prioritize
• Eagerness for constant learning
• Adaptation to technology
• Confidence and resourcefulness
• Lots of energy and enthusiasm
• Reliability
• Loyalty to the company
• Being able to solve problems on your own
• Urgency behind completing tasks
• Growth mindset

The worst thing about working with someone is when they have this overwhelming sense of helplessness about them. They posses no desire to figure things out on their own, and constantly run back and forth to their boss or colleagues with a “this isn’t working” face on. Not only do you look pathetic when you do this but you lose other peoples respect, making it more less likely you for you to move ahead or keep your job for too long.

The worst feeling for a serious employee, someone who takes pride even in mopping the floors, is to know others cannot rely on them.

Try these examples when crafting your personal vision statement for your work and career:

• I envision my boss knowing that my work doesn’t need to be double checked, and that I can be left alone to do my job.
• I imagine my colleagues seeing me show up to work late every now and then but not being concerned because they know I’m honest and not leaving until the job is done.
• When I encounter problems I first try and work through them myself. By doing this I learn more about my job and others’.
• My vision is that the work environment and the work itself is fun, challenging and rewarding.
• Every day I show up to work and feel like I’m doing something important and that my effort is valued.

Personal Vision Statement Examples for Entrepreneurs

To be successful as an entrepreneur you need to have a plan, know how to adapt and adjust, take advice from others who know more than you, follow the results you’re getting, understanding your atomic use case, delegate and be resourceful. To make sure your vision statement leads you to all of those things make sure you’re doing something that matters.

Try these examples below (if you’re an entrepreneur) for inspiration.

• I will radically transform [insert outdated industry] and create a brand new way of doing it
• The world is inspired by why I start the companies I do.
• I imagine being able to give amazing presentations that get investors and business partners on board.
• I have the ability to isolate archaic systems and jump on the solutions before anyone else.
• When I start companies, it’s not long before pragmatists want to buy them for huge money.

Examples of Personal Vision Statement for CEO’s

CEO’s don’t only have to worry about managing the company you’re in charge of you have to be concerned about background aspects of CEO-hood. Recently statistics were released that showed 25% of CEO replacement was due to getting fired or “suggested resignation”.

You cannot pass the buck, and in public companies, board members are constantly aware of your performance. Most wouldn’t apply this phrase to executive officers, but you are literally replaceable. You might not be as replaceable as someone who drives the pallet jack or forklift, but if you suck, board members are just itching to find someone to protect their (and others) investments.

• Your performance is either good or bad for shareholders
• You have to get hired first by concerned board members
• You’re competing against other people who are qualified to be CEO’s

In other words, you must stand out, and you must be great – being good is not enough , because everyone trying to get CEO (getting hired or keeping their job) is “good”. Set yourself apart from everyone else with a strong vision, and goals inspired by it.

Take a look at these personal vision statements for CEO’s below and use them as examples to craft your own.

• My vision is a company who’s purpose is seen as critical to societies health and progress.
• This company creates products and offers services that are integral to our customer’s identity.
• I imagine a company so good that nobody can say anything bad about us. Critics end up looking like fools.
• My vision is that in twenty years, everyone can see the change we made and give us credit for it.
• I envision a future where corporations create no pollution – and we were the first to do it.
• Our group will not only be profitable, but transform the surrounding area making locals see us as a friend.
• This company will be a pioneer is setting up the middle class for success.
• We will aid those who normally get rejected for jobs earn a living and transform their lives.
• Our vision is that IF employees grow out of their position, wherever they transfer to, our name on their resume gives them credibility.
• The government respects us as sees us the crux of the nations economy.
• My vision is that customers and retailers see this company as the automatic go to option.

Personal Vision Statement Examples for Businesses, Managers & Business Owners

What are some things you’re concerned about as a business owner? Having a strong mission that customers care about, satisfying those customers so they return, and having a great management team you can count on. Not to mention adapting to technology (which changes several times a year) and always coming up with innovative ideas.

Regardless, the foundation of running a business properly is understanding your principles, and condensing those principles into a vision statement. If you sell something like toilet paper, maybe there’s no reason for you to come up with some inspiring vision that will “wow” customers, because its only toilet tissue. However, if you can’t reasonable stand for big things, just stand for the small things.

Use these business vision statements below as examples:

• My company serves the needs of the surround area. Our community sees us as a staple.
• Young people in our area get their training here and it prepares them to become adults.
• My vision is that people feel a sense of confidence in our reliability every time they see our sign.
• This company will be famous for high quality products and service.
• My vision is that my business will receive awards for transforming the surrounding area in several key ways.
• This business values its employees and inspires them to work as hard as the owner.
• Our vision for our business is that other business come seek us out for advice and training.
• This company is not only profitable, but honest, we do it the right way and succeed for it.
• My vision for my business is that everyone describes us with three words: integrity, affordable, quality.

Personal Vision Statement Examples for Doctors, Nurses and Health Care Providers

Doctors take the Hippocratic oath – an oath to never harm hippos. Just kidding.

It’s an oath that states a few spoken things and a few implied unspoken things. Doctors, nurses, and all health care providers understand how important it is to maximize a patients personal growth, increase their quality of life, prevent health problems, disabilities and premature death.

You became a health care provider for several reasons that probably include: a calling to help others, a need to give back to society, and a fascination for medical and biological research. Having those reasons in the back of your mind might not be enough to get you through the struggles of working in health care, so I recommend writing them down and keeping them visible.

• I envision a world where health care practitioners practice what they preach.
• I will never prescribe what I understand to be unhealthy or poison to patients, even if there is pressure to.
• My patients always feel confident coming to me with confidential information.
• Everyone leaves my practice with a smile on their face and hope in their hearts.
• I imagine having a reputation for being strong enough to push through even when things get rough.
• People who come to me often never have to return for the same issue.
• I am know as a healer more than a doctor.
• My organization has improved the quality of medicine significantly.
• To never give into the pressure of pharmaceutical companies or insurance providers.
• Society at large has benefitted tremendously from my/our research and practice.

Personal Vision Statement Examples for Family’s

• My children will grow up and model the same good behaviors i showed them as kids.
• My family’s needs are always met because I prepare for them.
• My vision is that my family is a source of inspiration for other family’s who are struggling.
• Our tight unit succeeds because we know communication and struggle makes a family strong.
• My vision is that my children will grow up to be highly educated and productive.
• I imagine walking my kids down the aisle to partners I approve strongly of.
• I see my kids skillfully avoiding all the struggles I went through.
• My spouse and I see eye to eye on most issues because our main priority is the family unit.
• My spouse and I support each other and the foundation of our relationship is built on trust.
• I imagine a family community that gives each other space, support, and love.

Personal Vision Statement Examples for Artists

• I imagine living a creative life where I’m not stifled by corporate interests.
• My vision is to make a serious mark, and then disappear with style.
• My creativity is an inspiration for others, and often envied.
• My vision is to live a life where my creative gas tank is always filled by new experiences.
• I imagine giving other artists permission and confidence to use art as catharsis for their dark emotions.
• Creativity is valued in the world more than anything because of my contribution.
• To inspire youth to pursue different artistic aspirations instead of pigeon holing themselves into standard societal models.
• My vision is that art reigns supreme.
• The world pays me to travel the world and create.
• My vision is never feeling lack and having my art sustain me.

Vision Statement Examples for Communities

• A neighborhood where everyone gets involved because we all agree that it matters.
• To be able to see people go on vacation and know that they’re properties are protected and safe.
• We envision a community built on love, trust and communication.
• My vision for this group is that we force each other to get better and succeed because of our progress.
• This community will sustain itself with cottage industries and serve as an example for others.
• Our community will achieve its goals and prove that the formula and ideals were sound.
• My vision is a community that agrees on the same ideals, values, and ways to achieve our ends.
• This will be a safe place for children to grow and flourish.
• Our community will be one of common goals and freedom of expression.
• To have a community where the concerns of the residents is actually heard and acted on.
• A group based on fairness and consideration, with positive influences and opportunities for growth.

Personal trainer vision statement examples

• Empowering clients to adopt a sustainable and balanced approach to fitness.
• Fostering a sense of community and support within the fitness journey.
• Educating clients on the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.
• Encouraging clients to set realistic and achievable fitness goals.
• Promoting a holistic view of health that includes nutrition and mental wellness.
• Guiding clients towards a lifestyle that promotes longevity and vitality.
• Creating a safe and inclusive space for individuals of all fitness levels.
• Inspiring clients to view fitness as a lifelong journey, not a destination.
• Helping clients find joy and fulfillment in their fitness pursuits.
• Encouraging a mindset that celebrates progress, no matter how small.
• Empowering clients to achieve their fitness goals and unlock their full potential.
• Inspiring individuals to embrace a lifestyle of health and wellness.
• Guiding clients on a journey to physical and mental transformation.
• Creating customized fitness plans that align with individual needs and aspirations.
• Promoting the importance of holistic well-being beyond just physical fitness.
• Fostering a positive and supportive training environment for clients.
• Educating clients on the principles of sustainable and long-term fitness.
• Helping clients overcome challenges and celebrating their fitness milestones.
• Encouraging a commitment to a healthy lifestyle beyond training sessions.
• Being a source of motivation and accountability for clients on their fitness journey.

Personal Brand Vision Statement Examples

• Crafting a personal brand that reflects authenticity and integrity.
• Building a brand synonymous with excellence and innovation.
• Establishing a brand that resonates with trust and reliability.
• Creating a personal brand that inspires and empowers others.
• Crafting a unique brand identity that stands out in the industry.
• Striving for a brand that represents continuous growth and learning.
• Being recognized for a brand that prioritizes customer satisfaction.
• Building a brand that fosters strong and lasting connections.
• Aligning personal values with the principles of the brand.
• Establishing a brand that leaves a positive and lasting impact.
• Striving for a personal brand that embraces diversity and inclusion.
• Building a brand that reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Creating a personal brand that is synonymous with social responsibility.
• Establishing a brand that fosters a culture of continuous innovation.
• Being known for a brand that prioritizes ethical business practices.
• Crafting a personal brand that champions personal and professional balance.
• Building a brand that resonates with a global audience.
• Striving for a brand that creates positive change in the community.
• Establishing a brand that adapts to evolving industry trends.
• Crafting a brand that instills confidence and trust in stakeholders.

Personal Vision Statement Examples (Dale Carnegie Version)

If there’s anything Dale Carnegie was famous for, it was showing others that the most successful people were those with inspiring visions . Use words that are exciting, get creative and really find ways to convey your vision with meaning.

• The world calls upon me whenever they need help with [what you help people with].
• Relief enters the hearts of people when they see me because [insert reason].
• I have scores of friends all over the world since I’m always [doing what?].
• I’ve won so many awards due to the fact that I’ve [done what?].
• Generations of young people call me an inspiration since I [inspired them how?].

The personal vision statements (examples) of successful and famous people

Robin williams: a vision of laughter, connection, and advocacy, the entertainer extraordinaire.

Robin Williams, a beloved figure in the world of entertainment, possessed a life vision rooted in the profound desire to entertain and make people laugh. Throughout his remarkable career, Williams showcased his exceptional talent as a comedian and actor, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of millions. His vision was to bring joy and laughter to others, an endeavor he embraced with unmatched enthusiasm.

Using Humor to Connect

Williams was not merely a comedian; he was a master of using humor as a means to connect with people on a deep and emotional level. His stand-up comedy routines and acting roles often delved into difficult and complex subjects, demonstrating his belief in the power of humor to bridge gaps, evoke empathy, and facilitate meaningful conversations.

Advocating for Social Causes

Beyond the stage and screen, Robin Williams held a vision that extended to the world’s most pressing social causes. He dedicated his fame and influence to humanitarian and environmental issues, believing that his unique position allowed him to make a positive impact on the world. His advocacy work served as a testament to his commitment to creating a better, more compassionate world.

Mental Health Awareness

In his later years, Williams openly shared his struggles with depression and addiction, taking a courageous step to raise awareness about mental health issues. His vision encompassed reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and encouraging open dialogue, empathy, and support for those who grappled with similar issues.

Supporting and Inspiring Others

Robin Williams had a generous spirit, a part of his vision that involved supporting and inspiring the next generation of comedians and actors. He mentored and assisted younger talent, fostering an environment in which creativity and artistry could flourish.

While Robin Williams may not have articulated a formal vision statement, his life and work resonated with a vision that revolved around using humor and entertainment to connect with people, advocate for important causes, and create a positive impact on the world. His passing in 2014 left a void in the hearts of many who had experienced the joy and depth he brought into their lives.

The Inspirational Journey of Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey’s story is a testament to the power of vision and resilience. Rising from a challenging childhood, Oprah envisioned a future where she would use her platform to empower others. She overcame adversity to become a media mogul, philanthropist, and a symbol of inspiration. Oprah’s vision has not only transformed her life but has also left an indelible impact on the lives of millions, thanks to her influential talk show, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), and her dedication to philanthropy.

The Visionary Entrepreneurship of Elon Musk

Elon Musk’s extraordinary vision transcends the boundaries of Earth. He envisioned a sustainable future through innovations in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and space exploration. Musk’s pursuit of his vision has resulted in groundbreaking companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity. His success illustrates how unwavering commitment to a grand vision can revolutionize industries and impact the world.

The Tenacity of J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien’s vision gave birth to the world of Middle-earth, a realm filled with rich characters, languages, and cultures. Despite the challenges of World War I, Tolkien crafted a new mythology. His persistence, creative brilliance, and linguistic expertise resulted in masterpieces like “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.” Tolkien’s vision has become a cornerstone of fantasy literature, influencing generations of authors and readers.

The Visionary Artistry of Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh’s vision as an artist was unconventional and groundbreaking. He transformed the art world with his innovative use of color and emotion. Despite facing personal challenges, his passion and dedication to his vision resulted in masterpieces like “Starry Night.” Van Gogh’s vision continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.

The Vision of Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla’s vision was to revolutionize the world through innovative electrical engineering. He developed alternating current (AC) electricity and contributed to the development of wireless communication. Tesla’s vision not only transformed the field of electrical engineering but also paved the way for modern power distribution and communication systems.

The Vision of Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale’s vision was to reform healthcare and nursing practices. She established the foundation for modern nursing, emphasizing cleanliness and patient care. Nightingale’s vision has had a profound and lasting impact on healthcare practices worldwide, saving countless lives.

The Vision of Cesar Chavez

Cesar Chavez’s vision was to fight for the rights of farmworkers and agricultural laborers. He co-founded the United Farm Workers union and led nonviolent protests to improve working conditions. Chavez’s vision transformed labor rights and advocacy for marginalized workers, leaving a legacy of social justice.

The Vision of Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton’s vision revolutionized our understanding of physics and the natural world. He formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation, laying the foundation for modern science. Newton’s vision continues to be a cornerstone of physics and has shaped scientific inquiry for centuries.

How to write a personal vision statement w/more examples

To write a personal vision statement : Focus on your future, Pick a direction, make it relevant, fill it with purpose, create core values, include rewarding experiences, make sure it challenges and inspires you, and have a timeline in mind. Include all of this while making it clear and concise.

1. Focus on the Future

What do you want to have accomplished in the future? A vision is you looking to the future and seeing the result of your actions. Think of what change you would like to make, visualize it in the future tense, and use that in your vision statement.

Personal Vision Statement Example:

“A world where people are judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin – Dr. King (paraphrased) “

2. Pick a Direction

Consult your life plan. How is your vision statement going to compliment the path you’ve chosen to take in life?

“ Helping people overcome their self imposed obstacles by overcoming my own and reaching all of my goals “

3. Make it Relevant

Make the vision fit nicely. There’s no reason to make up some fantasy world just to waste time. Guide your vision statement so that it’s relevant for your life and society.

“Reaching a state in the world where we are no longer relying on fossil fuel to power our civilization”

4. Fill it with Purpose

Find a strong reason for doing this. A vision statement doesn’t just sit on the shelf; you need a good reason for doing it. They also require effort and time. The effort required will get difficult at times, so make sure you have a strong sense of purpose attached to this vision or you might break when the going gets tough.

“To rid people of their concern, because life is too short to be stressed all the time, and in the end, what concerns us right now rarely holds the same importance to us in the future. – Jim Carrey (paraphrased with some added) “

5. Include your Core Values

Name the ideals that matter to you.  When you know what you value, you can then work to add more of that into the world. You could inspire others to be more courageous or fight against the dishonesty you abhor.

Take the Core Values test

“To instill a sense of responsibility and adventure in all the worlds children”

6. Strive to Create Rewarding Experiences

What internal reward will you get from your vision? Life is not all about having an impact on the world or living solely for others. It needs to be deeply fulfilling for you too!

Personal Vision Statement Examples:

“To have impacted the lives of a million people living in the third world so I can feel like I gave something extraordinary to my home country.”

7. Make it Challenging Enough

Create a vision that will make you sweat. Everyone feels better after a hard workout. Part of creating fulfilling vision is working toward something that will challenge you. It’s a good way to make sure you never get bored.

“To achieve and remain at my ideal weight for the rest of my life and show others how to do the same.”

8. Make sure it Inspires you (& others!)

Create a vision that causes jaws to drop. There’s nothing better than accomplishing something that will bring tears to peoples eyes. Create a vision that people will be fascinated and inspired by. “Don’t be afraid to dream a little bigger darling.”

“Showing women politicians around the world how to command the respect of their male counterparts and occupy a serious space in the political arena”.

9. Be Clear and Concise

Be as simple as possible. Don’t “beat around the bush” in your vision statement. There’s no reason to overburden your vision statement with jargon, or add a million huge words. Avoid creating a vague statement that nobody can understand. You’re not a company, but if you were, anybody in the world should be able to read and immediately understand your vision.

“To ensure that various nations on planet earth give proper consideration and attention to the safety and care of it’s various kinds of downtrodden individuals…” (too wordy)

“A world that is makes taking care of the homeless a serious concern!” (better)

10. Have a Timeline in Mind

A timeline means  a finish line. Don’t give yourself any reason to put your vision off until tomorrow. If you’ve paid attention, and followed all the rules when creating your vision statement, you should feel no trepidation in starting now. Give yourself a time that it needs to be done, or at least a timeline where you need to have made a certain amount of progress.

“Decreasing the amount of sprayed foods consumed (wherever you are) by the year (5-10 years from now) “

More on Vision Statements…

We go through life a bit differently. We don’t always feel unstoppable. We certainly don’t always feel fierce, but still, you and I both want to live life like we’re the superhero in our own movie.

We don’t necessarily want our name in lights, but we do want to die feeling like the world is a better place because of us. This is not a post about the vision statements of companies.

Instead, we’re going to go over a basic formula and discover how to craft our very own personal vision statement.

A good Personal Vision Statement:

• keeps you on track
• helps us push through times of laziness
• something we can cling to when the fear comes
• gives us a feeling of pride when we see it manifest in the world

Personal Vision Statement Examples pdf

Need inspiration? Use this personal vision statement template .

Recommended tools

The Power of Clarity by Brian Tracy (How to Develop your Personal Destiny)

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21 Personal Mission Statement Examples and How to Make Your Own

Ikigai: How to Find your Passion & Purpose in Life

5 mistakes you’ll Make When Discovering your Purpose

“Should I Follow My Dreams or Be Realistic?”

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Writing a Personal Statement

Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

• Who are you?
• What are your goals?
• How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
• What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

• A variation of your college admissions essay
• An academic/research paper
• A narrative version of your resume
• A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
• An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

• Personal Statement(s)
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendations
• Sample of written work
• Research proposal

Preparing to Write A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

• How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
• Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
• How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
• When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

• What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
• What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
• How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
• What distinguishes you from other applicants?
• What would you bring to this program/profession?
• What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
• Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
• How is this program distinct from others?
• What do you hope to gain?
• What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
• Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

• Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
• Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
• Research the institution or organization
• Proofread, proofread, proofread
• How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

• This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
• Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).  
• Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
• Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
• Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
• Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
• Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
• Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
• A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
• Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
• After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
• Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
• Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
• Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
• “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
• Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
• Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
• Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
• Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
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Top 10 Personal Brand Statement Examples To Follow

Updated: March 11, 2024

Published: June 18, 2023

In a 2022 personal branding trends study, most respondents said they consider personal branding an essential component of work and their everyday life. 

It found that 75% of Americans trust someone with a personal brand, and 63% are likely to buy from someone with a personal brand. 

As an entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for customers or potential investors, you know that trust is key. Developing a personal brand for yourself can be an effective tool to help grow your business.

What is a personal brand statement?

A personal brand statement is a couple of sentences that highlights your unique skills and experience. It’s meant to be a quick introduction to people who discover you online because it summarizes what you can offer them.

Basically, it’s a catchphrase, tag line, or elevator pitch for you as a professional individual. While it showcases what you do professionally, you can also display your personality.

Why leaders should have a personal brand statement

You make a better first impression.

As the saying goes, “You only have one shot to make a first impression.” The challenge for entrepreneurs is that you don’t always know when that opportunity arises, as many first impressions happen online.

When a potential client or investor hears about you, their first instinct is to look up your social media profiles. If you’ve got a clear and well-thought-out personal brand statement, you’ve got a better chance at making them stick around for second and third impressions.

You can establish yourself as a thought leader

Thought leadership is a powerful content marketing tactic that can help you reach bigger audiences and generate leads for your business. When you’re known as a leader in your particular industry, that automatically gives you a higher level of credibility. 

A personal brand statement can strengthen your thought leadership strategy by clearly stating your area of expertise.

You can create networking opportunities

Whether you’re looking for top talent, new clients, or potential investors, networking is half the battle. 

Personal brand statements make it easy for potential connections to understand exactly what you do and what you value. Without it, you may miss out on opportunities simply because they didn’t know that you had something relevant to offer them.

Best personal brand statement examples for leaders

“bilingual creative who lives at the intersection of business & design.” —chris do.

Source: Chris Do’s LinkedIn page .

Chris Do is a multi-hyphenate: a designer, creative strategist, public speaker, founder, and CEO of The Futur, an online education platform.

What makes it great : Because he wears so many hats, Do’s personal branding statement is better than trying to explain everything he does.

“Helping people find their zen in the digital age.” —Shama Hyder

Source: Shama Hyder’s homepage .

Shama Hyder is the founder and CEO of Zen Media, a marketing and PR firm. She’s also written a book about digital marketing .

What makes it great : Hyder’s brand statement is an attention-grabbing play on her company’s name and showcases one of her key values: making clients feel a sense of calm in a fast-paced digital world.

“Write better sales emails faster with our in-inbox coach.” —Will Allred

Source: Will Allred’s LinkedIn page .

Will Allred is the co-founder of Lavender, an AI-powered email software startup.

What makes it great : Brooklin Nash, CEO of Beam Content, shares, “In one sentence, Allred captures the entire focus of his social presence: to help salespeople write better emails faster while demonstrating his authority and sharing his product in the second part of that headline.”

“Keeping it awkward, brave, and kind.” —Brené Brown

Source: Dr. Brené Brown’s homepage .

Brené Brown has a Ph.D. in sociology and is the author of several books that cover topics like shame, vulnerability, empathy, and courage.

What makes it great : Dr. Brown’s personal brand statement embodies her mission statement of encouraging people to embrace their vulnerabilities by sharing her own.

“Empowering ridiculously good marketing.” —Ann Handley

Source: Ann Handley’s homepage .

Ann Handley is a digital marketing expert and bestselling author. Her company helps marketers get tangible results.

What makes it great : Sharon Jonah, creative director and founder of digital marketing agency Buzz Social, shares, “In four words, we understand what Handley does, how she does it, whom she’s speaking to, and how she speaks.”

“Still just a girl who wants to learn. Youngest-ever Nobel laureate, co-founder @malalafund and president of Extracurricular Productions.” —Malala Yousafzai

Source: Malala Yousafzai’s Twitter profile .

Malala Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel laureate and an activist whose fund aims to remove the barriers to female education around the world.

What makes it great : Her bio highlights her impressive achievements with language that makes her sound relatable. 

“Marketing. Strategy. Humanity.” —Mark Schaefer

Source: Mark Schaefer’s homepage .

Mark Schaefer is an educator, speaker, marketing consultant, and author. He’s developed corporate marketing strategies for brands like Microsoft, IBM, and AT&T.

What makes it great : “It’s subtle, concise, and creative. It describes what Schaefer does, what he focuses on, and his unique and distinguished approach,” says Omer Usanmaz, CEO and co-founder of mentoring and learning software Qooper. 

“Empowering successful women to take control of their finances.” —Jennifer Welsh

Source: Jennifer Welsh’s LinkedIn profile page .

Jennifer Welsh founded Money School, a digital course that teaches women about personal finance. What makes it great : Welsh’s strong personal brand statement says exactly what she does and whom she does it for. 

“Let’s make Excel the solution, not the problem.” —Kat Norton (Miss Excel)

Source: Miss Excel’s homepage .

Kat Norton (known as Miss Excel) became famous on TikTok for her bite-sized Microsoft Excel tutorials. She now offers Excel courses on her website.

What makes it great : Norton’s clever statement shows that she understands her audience's problem and highlights her personality.

“‘The Customer Whisperer.’ I help marketers discover the hidden reasons why customers buy so they can become un-ignorable.” —Katelyn Bourgoin

Source: Katelyn Bourgoin’s LinkedIn page .

Katelyn Bourgoin is a creator and serial entrepreneur who founded a branding agency, a mentoring platform for female entrepreneurs, and a restaurant consulting firm. She trains entrepreneurs to uncover what makes their products “un-ignorable.”

What makes it great : Bourgoin’s clever branding statement effectively tells marketers that she can help them understand their customers better and make their brands memorable.

How to write a personal brand statement

Writing an effective personal brand statement can be tough because it requires you to be catchy yet compelling. It should give audiences all the necessary information in a sentence or two.

Here are some tips for writing your own:

Think about your unique value proposition

A unique value proposition (or unique selling point) is what makes you different. It tells people why they should try your product or service, network with you, or invest in your business.

Tip : Identify your core values, goals, and strengths.

If you don't know what those are, ask yourself:

• Why am I building my brand?
• What do I want my audience to know me for?
• How do I do things differently?
• Do I have a distinct skill set, experience, point of view, or passion?
• What value do I bring to my audience?

Keep it short and sweet

Your brand statement should be simple and easy to understand. 

The goal is to have someone look at your profile or website and immediately understand who you are and what you do, so keep it brief. Keep in mind that you don’t need full sentences either. 

Start by writing one to three sentences that outline what you do, for whom, and how you do it. You can also add a sentence about values. 

Then, look at different ways you can shorten them. Or pick out the most specific and impactful words and see what happens when you simply list them. 

Showcase your personality

Injecting your personality empowers you to share what you do without being bland or boring. Being authentic also helps attract like-minded customers, investors, and peers. 

At the end of the day, there are other people out there who may offer similar services or solve the same problems for your target audience. Your personality can set you apart.

“Don't be afraid to inject a bit of humor, quirkiness, and passion. It’ll help make you more memorable and help you stand out from the crowd,” says Usanmaz.

Ideally, you want customers to know what you do and get a little taste of what it will be like to work with you.

A personal brand statement conveys your mission, differentiates you from competitors, and attracts your target audience. Use these tips and real-life examples of personal brand statements to inspire you to write your own.

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Refrain from personal attacks: Election Commission's appeal to political parties

The election commission has urged all the political parties to refrain from abuses and personal attacks during their election campaigning during the upcoming assembly and lok sabha polls..

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• Election Commission asked political parties to refrain from personal attacks
• CEC Rajiv Kumar asked parties to maintain decorum during campaigning
• The poll panel has announced dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday asked political parties of the country to refrain from personal attacks and foul language during their campaigning for the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha polls.

The guidelines were issued in line with a large number of complaints pertaining to objectionable statements made by political leaders targeting personal lives.

While asking political parties to maintain decorum during campaigning, Rajiv Kumar read a couplet by renowned poet Bashir Bard. " Dushmani jam kar karo lekin ye gunjaish rahe ke jab kabhi hum dost ho jaye to sharminda na ho ," he said.

"We urge parties to refrain from personal attacks and foul language. No-go areas in speeches are defined to maintain civility. Let's not cross lines in our rivalry," Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said while announcing the dates of the much-awaited Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

"Please do not try to cross the red line during election campaigning. This is a digital word. If you say something, it will stay on record for hundreds of years. Please avoid creating digital memories of bad words which are coming from your mouth. Please be civilised during the elections," Rajiv Kumar added,

Rajiv Kumar also urged political parties to maintain decorum during campaigning and avoid abuses.

"We are committed to ethical political discourse. I would like parties to maintain decorum in campaigning and refrain from abuses and personal attacks.

Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases beginning from April 19 and results will be announced on June 4. The other phases will be on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1.

In Odisha, all eyes are now on Hinjili Assembly constituency in Ganjam district from where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik won five times in a row since 2000.

The important Lok Sabha constituencies in the state are Sambalpur, Bhubaneswar, Sundergarh, Mayurbhanj, Puri and Koraput while key Assembly seats are Sambalpur, Chandbali, Jajpur, and Jeypore.

More From Forbes

What Is A Profit And Loss Statement (P&L)?

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How often do you read the profit and loss statement for your business? Or are you even looking at it? It’s not uncommon for small business owners to overlook the wealth of information a P&L statement offers.

A profit and loss statement is a financial report that summarizes the revenues, costs, and expenses incurred during a specific period, usually a month, fiscal quarter, or year. Commonly known as the P&L, it goes by various names including Income Statement, Statement of Earnings, or Statement of Operations.

P&L statements are a staple of business accounting and provide an overview of how well a company is operating within its primary activities, such as the sales of goods and services. Not only do P&L statements help in understanding the financial performance, but they also provide a basis for tax returns and securing loans or investments.

If you aren’t using your P&L statement in your business, you are missing out on many ways to grow your business profitably.

Interpreting the P&L Statement for Business Insights

A P&L statement is not just a reflection of a business's financial health; it helps guide strategic decisions. When parsed and understood, the data disclosed in a P&L can profoundly influence the direction of a company.

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Revenue segments reveal the earnings’ ebb and flow, pointing toward areas with potential for expansion or signaling the need for recalibration. Conversely, examining expenses can uncover inefficiencies and opportunities to increase the net profit margin.

Revenue - expenses = Profit

When taking the time to read and dissect the data in your P&L statement, you can align your resources with the most promising opportunities, protect yourself against fiscal vulnerabilities, and pivot your strategies to foster financial security in your business.

Here are the key areas to focus on:

1. revenue growth.

Comparing the revenue not only with previous accounting periods but also with industry benchmarks can identify how well your business is growing. A consistent increase in revenue is a positive sign of a healthy operation.

2. Cost Efficiency

By keeping a close eye on both direct costs and operating expenses, you can work towards increasing your margins. If these costs are outstripping your revenue growth, it's time to reevaluate your business model and look for areas to cut back.

3. Overhead Management

Are you spending too much on items that don’t directly contribute to your core business activities? Overheads can sometimes spiral out of control, eating into your profits. Managing these effectively can greatly enhance your financial performance.

4. Non-Operating Gains and Losses

Any income or losses not related to your regular business activities, like proceeds from selling assets or one-time legal fees, will be detailed here. Understanding these can give you a more accurate representation of your business's ongoing financial health.

5. Net Profit

This is the bottom line. The net profit shows exactly how much the business has earned after all expenses are deducted. This is how your business makes money (through profit) and what you'll likely reinvest back into the business.

Using the P&L Statement for Decision Making

The P&L statement not only outlines the revenues, costs, and expenses incurred during a specific period, but it also offers invaluable insights into the operational efficiency of your business. The clarity provided by a P&L statement enables you to pinpoint areas of strength and address weaknesses. It's a tool that empowers you to allocate resources strategically, trim wasteful expenditures, and enhance your revenue streams.

Here’s how to leverage the P&L for strategic purposes:

Evaluating Performance - A periodic review of your P&L will highlight any alarming trends or red flags, enabling you to make swift changes in operations or cost control measures.

Setting Future Goals - Analyzing historical P&L data will help in setting realistic and profitable targets for growth, sales, and expense management.

Investor and Lender Relations - For securing investments or loans, a solid P&L statement can instill confidence in the minds of stakeholders, explaining your business acumen and potential returns on investment.

Forecasting and Budgeting - The insights derived from your P&L can help in making accurate forecasts, which are integral to creating a cohesive budget for your business operations.

The bottom line is the P&L will likely be the most used statement in your business. There is much information you can collect from its data, and if you haven’t been using the P&L statement in your business, now is the time to start. Integrating the P&L into your decision-making process can highlight cost-saving opportunities, profitable ventures, and guide strategic planning.

Melissa Houston, CPA is the author of Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating a Profitable Business . She is the founder of She Means Profit, which is a podcast and blog . As a Finance Strategist for small business owners, Melissa helps successful business owners increase their profit margins so that they keep more money in their pocket and increase their net worth.

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.

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IRS alert: Beware of companies misrepresenting nutrition, wellness and general health expenses as medical care for FSAs, HSAs, HRAs and MSAs

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IR-2024-65, March 6, 2024

WASHINGTON — Amid concerns about people being misled, the Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers and heath spending plan administrators that personal expenses for general health and wellness are not considered medical expenses under the tax law.

This means personal expenses are not deductible or reimbursable under health flexible spending arrangements, health savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements or medical savings accounts ( FSAs, HSAs, HRAs and MSAs PDF ).

This reminder is important because some companies are misrepresenting the circumstances under which food and wellness expenses can be paid or reimbursed under FSAs and other health spending plans.

“Legitimate medical expenses have an important place in the tax law that allows for reimbursements,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “But taxpayers should be careful to follow the rules amid some aggressive marketing that suggests personal expenditures on things like food for weight loss qualify for reimbursement when they don’t qualify as medical expenses.”

Some companies mistakenly claim that notes from doctors based merely on self-reported health information can convert non-medical food, wellness and exercise expenses into medical expenses, but this documentation actually doesn’t. Such a note would not establish that an otherwise personal expense satisfies the requirement that it be related to a targeted diagnosis-specific activity or treatment; these types of personal expenses do not qualify as medical expenses.

For example: A diabetic, in his attempts to control his blood sugar, decides to eat foods that are lower in carbohydrates. He sees an advertisement from a company stating that he can use pre-tax dollars from his FSA to purchase healthy food if he contacts that company. He contacts the company, who tells him that for a fee, the company will provide him with a ‘doctor’s note’ that he can submit to his FSA to be reimbursed for the cost of food purchased in his attempt to eat healthier. However, when he submits the expense with the 'doctor's note', the claim is denied because food is not a medical expense and plan administrators are wary of claims that could invalidate their plans.

FSAs and other health spending plans that pay for, or reimburse, non-medical expenses are not qualified plans. If the plan is not qualified, all payments made to taxpayers under the plan, even reimbursements for actual medical expenses, are includible in income.

The IRS encourages taxpayers with questions to review the frequently asked questions on medical expenses related to nutrition, wellness and general health to determine whether a food or wellness expense is a medical expense.

IRS.gov provides more information regarding details and requirements for deductibility of medical expenses; taxpayers can also review Can I deduct my medical and dental expenses? and Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses .

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MCOLES Official Correspondence: Updated Personal History Statement and Affidavit (PHSA)

March 14, 2024

The Commission has updated the Personal History Statement and Affidavit (PHSA). The purpose of updating the PHSA is to give the Commission, agencies, and academies a better ability to verify information and to get a more complete picture of those seeking licensure in the law enforcement profession. Additionally, the updated PHSA provides a solid foundation for conducting a comprehensive background investigation as required under Public Act 203 of 1965 and Michigan Administrative Code R 28.14101 et seq.  The completion of the updated PHSA is now required for all those entering and re-entering the law enforcement profession in Michigan and seeking activation or reactivation of a law enforcement license. This includes but may not be limited to the following circumstances:  

• All recruits seeking admittance to a basic law enforcement training academy (including pre-service, preservice college, and employed recruits).
• All those seeking admittance to the Recognition of Prior Basic Training and Experience (RPTE) program (including former Michigan officers and out-of-state officers).
• All those seeking initial law enforcement licensing (including all academy and RPTE graduates).
• All those seeking reactivation of their law enforcement license (including all officers leaving one agency and moving to another). As a reminder, the Commission has a statutory responsibility to ensure those entering the law enforcement profession possess good moral character. Michigan Administrative Code (Rule 28.14203(e)) requires persons selected to become a law enforcement officer:  “Possess good moral character as determined by a favorable comprehensive background investigation covering school and employment records, home environment, and personal traits and integrity. Consideration will be given to a history of, and circumstances pertaining to, having been a respondent to a restraining or personal protection order. Consideration shall also be given to all law violations, including traffic and conservation law convictions as indicating a lack of good moral character.”   To comply with this administrative code and Michigan law, agencies are required to conduct thorough and comprehensive background investigation of those who seek to be licensed as fully empowered law enforcement officers. The Commission understands and appreciates that many agencies already have well-developed personal history questionaries. However, we respectfully request agencies utilize the Commission’s PHSA as the initial step to screen individuals to the State of Michigan standards. Once this form is completed, we recommend agencies add their own supplemental sections for additional questions to determine compliance with your agency’s standards and job fit. This will ensure consistency for all applicants regardless of how they are seeking licensure while also providing every agency with the additional information they may need.  An example of an agency specific supplemental question might be one that addresses the use of controlled substances. The State of Michigan standard for drug use requires law enforcement candidates test negative for the presence of a controlled substance. However, an agency standard might prohibit the use of a controlled substance within the last five years. A comprehensive background investigation is perhaps the most important component of the hiring process. They benefit agencies by ensuring applicants meet state and agency standards and assist in determining job fit for the organization and the communities they serve. Best practices for background investigations ensure organizations comply with law enforcement licensing standards and that their process is consistent with fair employment practices. For any questions or concerns, please contact Danny Rosa at [email protected] or 517-388-7516. We appreciate your support and cooperation. 

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Consideration, Compassion, Kindness, and Empathy

Personal perspective: small, impactful ways to feel better and connect..

Posted February 18, 2023 | Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster

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Consideration, compassion, kindness, and empathy. I have been reflecting on these emotions and their related acts for quite some time as I view our divided world with such trepidation. Zeroing in on my little world, on a daily basis, I see the erosion of these increasingly important qualities.

I used to think that if everyone were just plain "nice," then life would be better for all of us. But then, I started thinking that someone could do something nice but not really be a nice person. I used to believe that when people acted nicely, then they were just that . Nice . But not always. Someone can be nice and still not be considerate, compassionate, kind, and empathic .

I’ll never forget an interaction I experienced as a new faculty member at the college where I taught for almost 30 years. Jerry was a nice guy, at least to me. He would always say hello as we passed in the corridor. As a new instructor, I needed such minimal positive acknowledgment from colleagues to get me through those early days.

Jerry answered my many teaching-related questions as we taught the same class level. So, it was only natural for me to refer my overflow students to his class section, which met at the same time as mine in the morning. My class was closed, but the printout suggested that Jerry’s class had several openings for new students to enroll that first week of the semester.

“He’s nice,” I told the students based on my interactions with him.

Later that day, I ran into Jerry, who seemed annoyed and perplexed as he asked why I had sent some students to his class. I told him the truth. My class was closed, and it was not only protocol to refer students to any open class, but I told him I knew he was nice. His question to me after my explanation really took my breath away. “What makes you think I’m nice?” When he asked me this question, he was very serious; there were no smiles.

There it was. I had misread who Jerry really was! He said hello to me, he answered my questions, and he smiled at me. I deduced that he was indeed a nice guy, but he really wasn’t and told me as much. He didn’t want any more students in his class. In fact, he liked to weed out the ones already there, as he didn’t want so many papers to grade as the semester continued. “Don’t send students to my class,” he commanded as he walked away.

So, compassion, kindness, and empathy far outweigh someone who just smiles and "looks nice." I felt bad for the students I couldn’t enroll in my class, but I was already seven students overenrolled. I wanted to take them all, but there were no more chairs. I knew what it was like to be turned away by a professor who refused to take more students in his course even when I needed that class to graduate. “Find another class,” he barked. I knew I could never do that to a student in my own classroom, no matter how many extra papers I had to grade.

At least three times a week, a dog parent in my neighborhood allows his/her giant pup (I assume his size for obvious reasons) to poop on my lawn. No consideration or compassion was given, and certainly no kindness for a fellow dog owner. If this pup's parents really thought about what was involved with another person picking up after their dog, they wouldn’t be so selfish as to leave "the surprise" for me to clean up. I have my own dog, and I bring poop bags with me on every walk, and I always pick up after Molly. I wouldn’t consider leaving anything for another person. Simple kindness.

I have a large order on the conveyor belt at the market. I see the man behind me holding his premade sandwich and bottle of coke.

“Do you want to go ahead of me in line?”

He looks incredulously at me, not quite believing my question to him. “Really?” he responds. “Oh, thank you. I’m on my lunch break and don’t have much time, and this is the only line right now.”

“Of course,” I add. He smiles and walks to my side, up to the check stand. He thanks me profusely again.

Why wouldn’t I offer to let him go in front of me? Processing his order took all of two minutes. What were those minutes going to do for me? I know what it’s like to have a limited lunchtime with the clock ticking for my return to work. Consideration, compassion, empathy. So simple yet so important.

We have a lot of construction going on in our neighborhood, and at least twice a year, it seems, a nail gets embedded in one of my car tires, forcing me to repair or replace my tire. As a result, when I walk, I am always on the lookout for stray nails that might be lying in the street. I am forever picking them up, hoping to prevent another unaware driver from suffering the same tire fate as I have experienced countless times. Just simple kindness that takes such little time.

When I was a young parent with three sons five and a half years apart, I didn’t have the good fortune of a lot of help from grandparents. My dear sister-in-law Marilyn was the only family member who offered to fly down from San Francisco to Los Angeles to babysit the boys while we went away on a rare vacation. Once, we took a cruise for a week, and once, we flew to Hawaii. What a gift she gave us!

I always dreamed that when I had grandchildren, I would provide as much loving babysitting as I physically could for my own children, knowing that I would have wanted and needed the same as a young mom. I continue to provide such devoted care to my four grandchildren whenever I can and whenever I am needed. It is one of my greatest joys to know that I can spend time with the little ones and also help their parents, who need time away, with minimum worry.

Life in our world today is challenging and, at times, overwhelming. It takes so little to be kind, considerate, and understanding of others. My actions of kindness and compassion are not for brownie points but rather for the understanding that these are the qualities and small but essential actions that add joy to my own life. Whenever I can help another, I know my day has improved.

Barbara Jaffe, Ed.D. , is a fellow in UCLA’s department of education and a professor at El Camino College.

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