Keep Kind Intentions

If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.
— William Penn

William Penn’s perspective on kindness has a certain urgency to it, driven by the situational nature of doing kind deeds. He seems to be saying - “I better do it now because I don’t know when I’ll get the chance again.” But to become urgent about doing kindness seems like a contradiction - after all, we have priorities, deadlines and people who count on us. Finding the time for kindness can be challenging. Our busy schedules don’t help the matter!

In an experiment at Princeton Theological Seminary, researchers assigned their students with the task of giving a brief lecture across campus about the Good Samaritan. Some students were told they had plenty of time before the lectures would start, some were told they had a moderate time and some were told they were already late - “You’d better hurry!”. What the unsuspecting students didn’t know is that the researchers had planted a very convincing actor along their path who was crying out for help. The results of the experiment are as follows:

63% of students who believed they had plenty of time stopped to help.
45% of students who believed they had moderate time stopped to help.
10% of students who believed they were late stopped to help.

As you can see, it turns out that a sense of time urgency and being under a deadline can make us blind to other important needs directly in our path. The irony of students rushing past an ailing stranger as they hurry to deliver their lectures on the Good Samaritan is rich indeed! In fact, even with plenty of time, close to 40% of students walked right on by someone in need as they strolled to give their lecture about the Good Samaritan.

The study did not dive deeper into the time orientation of the various students and their motivational drivers - so it’s difficult to say exactly why each of them responded the way they did. But if we were to extrapolate these results: as a rule of thumb, 40% of people seem to be moving along with blinders on, caught up in their own thoughts, schedules, and deliverables, 10% are flexible and paying close attention, and the other 50% of people fall in the middle depending on how things go.

How to Find the Time For Kindness? Here are five simple steps for paying attention, staying flexible, and delivering kindness. Being kind is not a luxury reserved for people with plenty of time. In fact, taking the time to be kind unlocks more time for an exponentially richer and more abundant way of life.

1. 💡 Pause to See the Need: Start with Awareness
Take a mindful moment throughout your day to pause and observe your surroundings. This intentional act opens your awareness to where a small act of kindness might be needed—someone struggling with a heavy door, a colleague who seems down, or even a friend in need of encouragement. Every kindness starts with noticing. 🌎✨

2. 💬 Share a Compliment: Words Are Powerful
Kindness doesn’t always need grand gestures. A genuine compliment, an encouraging word, or a warm greeting can make someone’s day. By choosing to share something positive, you’re spreading joy and creating a ripple effect that uplifts everyone around. 💌✨

3. 🤝 Offer Your Time: Give the Gift of Presence
In our fast-paced world, giving someone your undivided attention is a true act of kindness. Put away distractions and be fully present for someone—listen deeply, ask how they’re really doing, and show that you value them. It’s a small act with a big impact. 🕰️💖

4. 🎁 Surprise with Generosity: Small Gifts, Big Joy
Whether it’s a handwritten note, a small treat, or a helpful favor, little surprises bring happiness to others. They show thoughtfulness and turn ordinary moments into memorable ones. The best part? This doesn’t have to be costly—just heartfelt. 🎉🌸

5. 💖 Reflect with Compassion: Be Kind to Yourself, Too
Often overlooked, kindness to yourself fuels your ability to be kind to others. Show yourself grace, especially on challenging days, and remember to recharge when needed. This self-kindness strengthens your resilience and ability to extend empathy to others. 🌱🧘‍♀️

Conclusion
William Penn reminds us that small moments of kindness tend to be a now-or-never opportunity. By incorporating these simple acts, you’re building a life centered on connection, positivity, and genuine warmth. Just as kindness enriches others’ lives, it creates a fulfilling, purposeful life for you. Remember, in giving kindness, you are also receiving it. The small bit of time you actually spend will be repaid many times over. Make kindness your daily habit, and watch how it transforms both you and the world around you. 🌍🌈