4 Ridiculously Simple Ways to Make Somebody’s Day

There is no greater feeling than positively shifting somebody’s mood.

Yesterday, I sent the following message to a friend via LinkedIn: “I’m reaching out to all of the positive people in my world thanking them for their mindset and for inspiring others to always see the beauty in life!”

He replied, “This made my day! Thank you for the contact and reinforcement. Bit of a crappy day and this is the silver lining I needed! Thank you. It mattered and matters more than you know. I will pass it on.”

There is no sweeter music than the words, “you made my day.” It invigorates somebody’s world, and as seen in the message above, has the capacity to transform many other worlds as well.

It’s not overly challenging to make somebody else’s day, but sometimes we forget to do the simple things that can turn a crappy day into one filled with hope, positivity, and joy.

1. Remind them of how awesome they are.

Just like in the message above, a simple reminder of what another person brings to the world can make all the difference.

Let somebody know that their smile lights up a room. Let somebody know that their contributions at work are so insightful and beneficial for everyone around them. Let somebody know that their thoughtfulness inspires you to be a better person.

We often think compliments can be too much or too over the top, but I challenge you to reconsider this thinking. Compliment more. Notice more. Share more with people. Highlight their amazing qualities and you will for sure have a part in making their day.

2. Provide something meaningful for them.

Small gifts are what immediately come to mind here but sending something doesn’t have to cost you anything! You can send someone a text, a phone call, a song, a video, a meme, a photo, a smile, etc. The crucial aspect is to have a sense of the other individual and what matters to him or her. Then deliver something that you know they enjoy receiving.

Have a friend who’s an aspiring guitarist? Send over the instructional Jimi Hendrix video you just watched. Have a buddy you know who loves soccer? Send a highlight of this weekend’s best goals in the English Premier League. See a stranger reading a self-help book on a train? Recommend to them one of your favorites!

Allowing others to feel noticed and supported is a great way to make their day.

3. Bring up a random memory.

Remind somebody of an amazing time you’ve had together. The opportunity to get nostalgic and reminisce can evoke wonderful feelings for somebody, and especially as a random surprise, it can allow them to see their day in a new light.

Call your dad and bring up that time he gave you amazing advice during your little league game. Text your girlfriend and bring up the awesome restaurant you went to on your third date. Doing this with a stranger can be hard, but maybe you see somebody wearing a shirt with a band on it, and you mention a concert you went to years ago. Maybe they were there too. Get creative!

The more positive experiences you can muster up, the more positively their emotions and days will shift.

4. Comment about a future event.

Just as much as reflecting on past events can make somebody’s day, inviting somebody to realize something they have to look forward to can do the trick just as nicely.

Tell your snowy-weather loving neighbor that the forecast is looking favorable for her in the next couple of days. Make sure your grandma knows that she will be seeing you in two weeks when you come home to visit for the holidays. For a stranger, ask a question. “What is coming up in your life that is new and exciting?” Put the ball in their court.

Giving people something to look forward to presents a glimmer of hope and inspiration to push forward with a smile.

Final Words

My response to my buddy on LinkedIn was, “Your reaction has made my day! It is people like yourself who encourage me to keep doing what I am doing and being who I am!”

Making somebody else’s day begins a domino effect. The day maker will be inspired to make other people’s days when they see how much it meant to someone. The day “mader” will also look to make more days when they realize how amazing they feel that their day has been made.

We must cherish each and every day like it is not only our last, but also like it is everyone’s last. That may sound crazy, but the more you think about it in this way, the more there will be people out there who are day in and day out having days filled with meaning and fulfillment.

Before You Leave

Click here to download three free chapters of my upcoming fictional personal development novel about finding meaning and purpose, “The Journey to Cloud Nine!”