When was the last time you did a good deed? Hopefully not too long ago, but whenever it was, I want you to reflect on it quick. Who/what it was for, what you did, and what you hoped it would accomplish. But now I want you to think about one other factor. Would you still do it if no one ever knew you did?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing a good deed for someone else and hoping they recognize it. It's a fantastic way to build trust and relationships, and these are arguably the building blocks of really becoming closer with someone over time. The old saying rings true that actions speak louder than words, and by showing your appreciation with your actions, these things are remembered long after they're done.
But what if you did more of these in secret?
I heard a good quote a while back about spreading light in the world:
"Do good deeds, and don't get caught."
Again, there is nothing wrong with doing something to strengthen a relationship. But in today's day and age of social media, tweets and videos of doing good can seem more like humble-brags than sincere acts of kindness. As the philosopher Kant proclaimed, "it is not is not the outcome that is achieved by the action, but the motive that is behind the action." Basically, this can be interpreted into meaning that a good deed should be done because it's the right thing to do, not because of some recognition that it may bring. I would reckon we all want to bring change and positivity to those around us, but I wonder how much our external motivations play a part in this want to do good.
So, with this being said, I have one more challenge for you. Try do do some good in the next couple days in any way you can. Maybe cleaning up after your roommates, buying the man down on his luck some food, or simply donating to charity. There's countless ways of spreading light in your world, and however small it may be, it makes a difference. But then don't tell anyone. No posting, no tweets, no telling your friends, nothing. Let the world be your spectator. After all, it's the things we do when no one is watching that are the ones that really matter. You're the only witness you need.
"A Single Seed" is my attempt to get out one idea every day that I've learned or accumulated over the years, with the hope that it may stick in someone else's memory bank as well. The idea may be related to fitness, business, life, or philosophy, but I think you'll find that many can change domains if you wish them to. With each seed planted, a new life awaits.
Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/micahrr/5393927667
