I can't be alone when I say I believe our generation is severely lacking in compassion and selflessness. We live in a "me, me, me," world. I mean, can you blame us? From as far back as I can remember, I was taught by society to put myself first, focus on my own happiness and success at all costs. Though there's no shame in just a little bit of a "treat yo self" mindset to ensure your own health and wellbeing, what if we started to choose someone else's happiness over our own? What if, by one simple action, we could change someone's day, someone's week, someone's world? Why CAN'T you make an effort to Pay It Forward? Here's a list of 24 simple little ways to get you started.

1. Smile.

It couldn't get much easier than that, people.

2. Give a stranger a compliment.

Here's a novel idea: if you like her shoes... tell her you like her shoes. I guarantee she'll be walking on air all day.

3. Encourage a friend with a hug.

Everyone needs a little love sometimes, especially after a tough day.

6. Put a quarter or two in expired meters.

Coming from someone who has accumulated 30 + parking tickets this year, spare change can turn a "bad luck" day into a good one.

7. Invite your friends over and make dinner for them.

Even if it's Dino Nuggets and frozen french fries, it's a chance to make memories and leave your friends feeling special.

8. Listen when people talk to you.

I can't stress this enough. Listening builds relationships.

9. Make your friend a mixtape of songs that make you think of them.

Every time it plays in their car, they won't be able to stop smiling.

10. Think before you complain, and replace it with something positive.

This world needs anything but added negativity. A positive outlook is contagious.

11. Ask your friends to donate to your favorite charity instead of buying you birthday gifts.

We don't needed added "stuff". Why not give back on your special day?

12. Write someone a letter saying why they're so amazing.

I guarantee they'll hang it up on their wall to read whenever they're feeling down.

13. Donate clothes you don't wear to a homeless shelter.

One man's trash can clothe an entire family in your area! Someone else needs it much more than you.

14. Make time to get breakfast with someone just to talk.

Set aside quality time to make someone else feel like a priority in your life.

15. Bake cookies and hand them out to your friends.

Despite the bottoms that are burnt to a crisp, your friends will appreciate the sweet sentiment.

16. Make conversation with strangers. Learn their stories.

You may leave the conversation more inspired or driven than when the day started.

17. Visit someone in the hospital that may not get many visitors.

Hospitals are cold, lonely, and depressing. Taking the time to just sit with someone means more than you could imagine.

18. Make friendship bracelets for all your friends.

If Barack Obama can make one for Joe Biden, why can't you?

19. Say "yes" when someone asks for help.

Don't drag your feet, don't complain about time or money or energy. Just say yes. That's all.

20. Plant trees and flowers in empty lots.

In a little while, those tiny sunflower seeds will brighten someone's day and make them smile, even if you don't see it for yourself.

21. Leave happy little notes around your town or campus to make people smile.

You never know when someone will need it most.

22. Make an effort to remember people's names.

By simply remembering that Jane, the girl you met at a sandwich shop, was named after her grandmother and plays soccer at a local high school, she immediately feels important and necessary.

23. Sincerely ask someone how they are and care to know the answer.

Sometimes people just need to vent, get it all out. Be the person that will always be there to listen.

24. When your friend is feeling stressed about school, have a 60 second dance party to her favorite song.

Forget about finals for five minutes. Blast "September" by Earth, Wind, & Fire in your dorm room and dance until accounting, marketing plans, and advertising strategies aren't even in your vocabulary.