In a commencement speech to Syracuse’s Class of 2013, George Saunders admits that what he “regrets most in [his] life are failures of kindness”. He suggests that life is “a gradual process of becoming kinder”, referring to selfishness as a sickness that exists within each of us. His grand solution is for each of us to speed up the process by proactively seeking out the most successful anti-selfishness medicines. This is actually much easier than it sounds. Small acts of kindness deserve so much more appreciation and emphasis of importance than they currently receive. It certainly does not take a lot of effort to completely make someone’s day. So how can you?

1. Smile at a stranger

Sometimes when you’ve had a tough day, all you really need to bring your spirits up is a little bit of positivity. You truly never know what someone else is going through - a genuine smile could mean the world to them. Next time you’re walking across campus and awkwardly make eye contact with a stranger, smile! (Not one of those fake, half-forced smile, but an authentic one.) Remember that one particular split-second of a moment could turn around their entire perspective.

2. Buy the order for the person behind you in line

This is one of those situations where you should really take the time to imagine if this happened to you. It would most definitely make your day, wouldn’t it? I remember once when I was much younger in a drive-through Dunkin’ Donuts line, my babysitter executed this simple act of kindness and I questioned why. Her response was effortless: “Why not?"

3. Write a handwritten letter

Have you ever received snail mail and not been super excited about it? Of course not! Handwritten letters are so uncommon within our generation, that such a rarity actually holds much more value than any text or Instagram mention.

4. Compliment everyone

So many positive thoughts go unsaid. Tell that shy girl who lives down the hall from you that you love her outfit today - I’m sure it’ll boost her confidence and make her feel wonderful. Tell your math study friends how intelligent you think they are. Tell your roommates how you admire how involved they are. Why keep a compliment to yourself when those words could be brightening someone’s day? I have never regretted not complimenting someone - I’ve only regretted not taking the chance to praise others.

5. Leave a thoughtful note in a library book

I actually did this for the first time this week! To think that a small amount of my time and words could truly impact the attitude of a complete stranger blows my mind. Imagine flipping through a book when you find a note telling you how loved and talented you are - bet you couldn’t stop yourself from smiling.

6. Express your gratitude and appreciation

Your parents do a whole lot for you. How often do you sincerely thank them for dedicating their lives to your growth? They deserve to know that their unconditional love does not go unnoticed. Similarly, professors and teachers all over the world devote their lives to the hope of witnessing their students’ success. When was the last time you thanked a professor for sharing their passion for a subject with you?

7. Hold a door open

This is always such a classic example of chivalry, but men definitely do not have to be the only ones showing respect in this aspect. Whether it’s someone with a lot in their hands, a significant other, or an elderly person, anyone will appreciate someone who takes the time to hold a door open for them. (Who knows, maybe you’d end up even re-establishing an older person’s hope for our generation . . . the possibilities are truly endless.)

8. Send a random text

There is most definitely no other kind of message that makes me happier than an unexpected one. Even if it’s just to catch up quickly with someone you don’t see very often, an out-of-blue sweet message can brighten a person’s state of mind.

9. Help carry something

No one likes to struggle carry a million different things around campus during a long, exhausting day. You will always remember the person who cared enough to offer help, even if they don’t even know you. Be that person for someone.

10. Say “thank you” often

People sometimes don’t even realize the marvelous effects of their momentary actions. Be sure to thank anyone and everyone who serves you, who makes you smile or laugh, who helps you to learn, who assists you in a time of need, who enables you to grow.

As Eleanor Roosevelt once remarked, “since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness you are able to give.” The absolute best way to create a happier life for yourself is to make other people happier. Although it tends to be important to remember that you get what you give in life, it’s even more important to expect nothing in return. Now get out there and make someone’s day brighter!