The Trait Most Good People Share

Good people. When asked to describe them, you might offer phrases like "kind" or "trustworthy" or "having integrity."  Synonyms abound for as how to describe good people and this slice of society's elite.  Yet, this elite is not tinged by swirls of racism or classism.  Good people can't be defined by race, class, geography, gender, education, or career.

We all know good people.  We all hope others think we are good people.  Fortunately, unlike grades on a curve or the All-Star Roster, there is no limit to how many good people the world can hold.  There can only be so many CEO's, or NBA players, or Stanford grads, but we all can be good people.  Statistically, there can only be so many wealthy and highly intelligent people, but we can all be good people.  There can only be so many A-list actors, Grammy winners, ballerinas in the Bolshoi ballet.  But we can all be good people.

If you were to form a committee of "experts" who could point you in the direction of good people for you to observe, what traits might you associate with most of these people?  Good hygiene (who doesn't love a frequent flosser)?  Out going and super smiley?  Response?  Great communicator?

My guess: The vast majority of these people frequently giving back to their community. These people are not just "involved," but also give back.  By and large, good people donate their time  - whether or not its asked - to better the community around them.  Think of the people in your life you consider to be good and how many of them donate time not just to an organization, but donate time to give back in some way.  Maybe they mentor.  Maybe they tend a community garden or teach Sunday School or coach youth sports, but I would bet you a Whataburger sandwich that they give back in some way.

Volunteering and giving back makes you feel good.  My father once told me that "if you have enough to give to someone else, you must be doing okay."  He was referencing money with respect to giving charitably, but the principle holds true for donating one's time as well.  If you have enough time in your life to give to other people, you must have your life put together.

Once you start volunteering your time, you suddenly find yourself around other people who enjoy doing the same.  You start interacting with other people who are often kind, generous, selfless, and care about the community in which they live.  It does not take a genius to see how these positive effects can begin to snowball.  

I have been fortunate to have had opportunities to give back beginning in high school that have continued through the present.  From dreaded CAS hours, National Honors Society, and Beta Club in high school to the many friends i gained through PSEF at Purdue to the wonderful people I continue to meet here in Atlanta through Community Bucket (shoutout to Jesse Grossman and that wonderful organization), I have found wonderful people in organizations designed to give back.  While everyone has different life experiences, (disclaimer: volunteering will not pay your bills, cook your food, wash your clothes, etc), I would suggest that the next time you are feeling meh, consider giving back to those around you or the community you live in.  You'll probably do good.