D’you want to know something, like, totally random?

Here’s something we can all do to improve the lives of those around us, strengthen our relationships and leave us feeling proud to be human. And yes, I’ve turned it into an acronym.

Random acts of kindness (RAOK).

The concept isn’t new or groundbreaking and there’s already hundreds of viral videos of people doing good for others (see below). But over the last few weeks, I’ve found engaging in RAOK to be more profound than I thought possible.

So, what does a RAOK involve?

I mean, the acronym spells it out pretty clearly.

It involves doing something for someone else. Randomly. As an act of kindness. With no hidden intent or agenda.

Importantly, it doesn’t have to be life changing. In fact, I think the small acts are often more powerful. Congratulating a friend for something big like getting a promotion is undoubtedly a nice thing to do. But it’s almost expected isn’t it?

Instead, why not try small acts of kindness? Tell a colleague you like their sweater. Tell a friend you love their socks. Complement the call centre team for their manner on the phone. Shout someone lunch. Send a message to a friend who just launched a Youtube channel. Buy someone a coffee. Share this blog with a friend (I mean, what?). The options are endless.

In the last few weeks, I tried the above examples and experienced some amazing reactions. My colleague blushed. A friend thought I was joking. Another friend recommended Happy socks. A perfect stranger said I made them cry (in a good way).

It may appear like a totally random series of reactions, but there’s a common theme. The consistent response was that of surprise and gratitude (the friend eventually took my compliment after I explained I wasn’t joking).

You see, as people go through their day they don’t expect these small moments of recognition and kindness. And so, when you acknowledge their good work or compliment them for their socks, you can visibly see the body language of an individual change. They smile, stand up straight and come to life.

This is more surprising than it should be. Think about it. Your colleague made a conscious decision to wear that bright blue jumper. There’s a story behind it. A story that resonates with their view of the world. Perhaps it was a gift from a loved one, maybe it’s a new purchase they’re proud of or maybe that particular colour makes them happy. Whatever the reason, when you acknowledge and recognise it, you’re subconsciously saying to them “I see you. I see what you did there. And I think it was awesome.”

What’s the trick?

There’s no ‘trick’ to this, other than it MUST be genuine. It can’t be forced or fake. You must complete your RAOK without any thought of ‘what’s in it for me’?.

Interestingly, if you do this, what you’ll find is there’s an unintended benefit. By creating and witnessing this change of posture in an individual, chances are it’ll make your day just as much as it makes theirs. 

2metre, pls, I’m already the randomest acter of kindness in the land

Okay okay, so you already subscribe to the RAOK idea and live it erry day. If that’s the case, then you might want to consider this ninja trick, which I learned from a friend of mine Ryan.

He calls it the multiplier effect, and it involves targeting someone who has the capacity to multiply your RAOK to as many people as possible.

Think about that local hipster barista of yours. He is responsible for bringing joy to hundreds of people every single morning in the form of roasted caffeinated liquid gold. What might happen if you made his day? 

What indirect impact might you have on all of the customers that visit that coffee shop by changing the barista’s posture with a simple RAOK?!

Give it a try and find out.