Do you consider yourself a socially conscious person? If not, do you want to learn how to make the world a better place? Here are some things you can do.
If you ask someone if they are socially conscious, they will probably say “yes.” After all, it sounds like a good quality to have, right? [Read: 30 touching ways to make someone feel better and help a sad friend]
But although most people would agree that they are like this, do they really know what being socially conscious means? Do you? If not, then read on to find out how to become socially conscious and make the world around you a better place.
What does socially conscious mean?
First of all, what does being socially conscious even mean? It means fostering an acute awareness of what’s going on around you in the world. This sense of awareness is further shared amongst all members of your society and carried forth from person to person.
It’s almost like a collective self-awareness and a shared social identity. People who are socially conscious have a “we feeling” and think that everyone is in this crazy world together and shares experiences.
This mindset breeds a sense of social unity and helps people work toward common goals. [Read: How to be kind to yourself and others and love life instead of hating it]
Why is being socially conscious important?
So, why is being socially conscious important, and what exactly are the benefits of being that way?
For one, it fosters intelligence. By being aware of what’s going on around you, you enable your mind to absorb and analyze all that is happening, and this results in better critical thinking skills and a higher level of intelligence.
Being socially aware also encourages empathy. [Read: How to develop empathy and master the art of growing a real heart]
Social awareness also introduces mindfulness. When you’re conscious of what’s going on around you, you will notice a keener sense of self, and you will make more of an effort to be a better person, both emotionally and physically. [Read: Reasons why empathy is important in a happy relationship]
Being socially conscious also improves communication. When you know what’s going on, you will be able to express yourself meaningfully and be better able to adapt to various situations.
Reasons why social consciousness is not lived by everyone
You might be wondering why more people aren’t socially conscious if it’s such an important thing to be. Well, that’s a great question, and here are the answers. [Read: 34 secrets to stop being lazy, find the reasons WHY, and overcome the excuses]
1. People are busy and want to focus on their own needs
Let’s face it—a lot of people are selfish and lazy. They kind of would rather only do things that benefit them and aren’t really concerned about anything else.
Even if they’re not selfish or lazy, they are probably just very much creatures of habit. They may care about the world around them, but they don’t always realize their full potential for one reason or another. Even if it’s just that they don’t have enough spare time to devote to it.
2. Lack of awareness of social issues
Some people might also just not be aware of the social issues that affect humanity and our planet. They just don’t know enough about the issues to do anything about them. [Read: Most famous couples in history and how they changed the world]
Even if people run into a problem but they don’t know why it exists or how it works, they aren’t likely to take action. Studying social issues takes time, interest, and effort. And many people don’t have those things in them.
Social consciousness and 19 ways to be a more socially conscious person
Here are 19 simple ways to propel yourself to the next level of social consciousness.
1. Read the news
There’s nothing cute about being totally daft when it comes to current affairs. [Read: How to hone and increase your positive emotions in a negative world]
Not only does reading and watching the news keep you from looking like a fool at cocktail parties, but it also lends a hand in helping you be a more socially conscious person.
2. Be active in your community
Another way to become a more socially aware person is by participating in community events.
There is no need to go knocking on everyone’s doors asking if you can help them. But keep in mind that everything from attending your neighborhood’s annual general meeting to volunteering at the community center counts as being socially responsible. [Read: Simple ways to inspire the people around you]
When you’re active in your community, you become fully aware of the people around you, what’s important to them, what’s going on in their lives, and what you can do to make a positive difference in your immediate society.
3. Don’t isolate yourself
Be socially conscious by surrounding yourself with people. There’s a reason why the phrase “socially conscious” contains the word “social.”
By being just that, you lessen the chances of isolating yourself and falling into the damned lonely pit. This is especially true when you’re feeling depressed. [Read: 18 honest reasons why you don’t have friends that care about you]
That’s why behavioral experts always say that it is important to accept support from loved ones when you’re undergoing a difficult time in your life.
Humans are social beings, and there’s no point fighting the fact that you need people around you if you want to be socially conscious.
4. Be aware of others
You can also be socially aware by paying attention to others. [Read: How to be more social – 22 ways to genuinely connect with others]
Instead of living in your own bubble and being oblivious to everyone around you, make it a point to notice and understand other people’s body language, their tone of voice, how they react to you, and so on.
It is not that difficult to tell if someone likes you. If you’re greeted with open arms and a smile, you’re in the clear.
But if you’re greeted with crossed arms, a higher-pitched voice, and tense body language, there’s a chance you’re going to have to work on that relationship if you don’t want to lose it. [Read: Subtle body language moves to appear more confident]
5. Think before speaking
Remember the saying, “Empty vessels make the most noise?” You don’t want people thinking that about you, so be sure to filter your words and don’t just say the first thing that comes to mind.
Always remember that things sound very different when you say them out loud, as opposed to when you say them in your head. Carefully reflect on how it will make the other person feel and how it’s going to sound.
6. Be more sensitive
Being sensitive and reacting accordingly is one of the most important things a socially conscious person can do. [Read: Ways to spread the love to those who need it]
As fabulous as it is to only have to worry about yourself, it is very important to think of other people’s needs.
For example, you may think that it is a good thing your best friend got dumped by her cheating ex—but there’s no need for you to say it out loud. She’s hurting right now, and won’t appreciate you saying that *no matter how right you are*.
7. Avoid negativity
Always try to avoid negativity, no matter the situation. When faced with conflict, don’t react in anger, and keep the aggression at bay. [Read: Negative Nancy – what makes one, 18 traits, and ways to deal with their attitude]
Use positivity to combat negativity and exude calm whenever possible. By keeping a straight face in the harshest of situations, you’re proving not just to others, but to yourself, that you’re socially aware and reacting in a grown-up manner.
8. Choose your circle wisely
As writer and motivational speaker Jim Roth once wrote, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” so be sure to choose your friends wisely. Slice the toxic and negative ones out of your life or, at the very least, keep them at bay.
Spend more time with positive and happy people and you will find your mindset starting to shift. [Read: 26 whys and ways to surround yourself with positive people and remodel your life]
Positivity rubs off on people, and before you know it, your view of the world will evolve into a more socially respectable and pleasant one.
9. Avoid being biased
Sure, there’s nothing wrong with having an opinion, but don’t be a hater simply because you disagree with someone else’s viewpoint.
Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, so respect them and don’t let their thoughts get the better of you. Only when you open your mind up to conflicting viewpoints will you be socially aware and accepting.
10. Practice conscious consumerism
According to the Network for Business Sustainability, “Consumers’ attitudes shape their intentions, and their intentions affect their behavior.”
There’s no denying that this point is very broad and that being socially aware encompasses many aspects. However, let’s call a spade a spade. By being conscious about what you buy, you’re improving upon the society you live in.
Environmental issues plague societies all over the world, and one way to be socially conscious is to recognize this fact.
Buy local, support sustainable farmers, and be sure to practice the many habits of a fierce eco-warrior. Practicing conscious consumerism isn’t that hard to do, so what are you waiting for? Do something green—today. [Read: Life’s a bitch – why it feels that way & 17 feel-good ways to feel and live better]
11. Talk about it
If you want to understand social issues better, then you should talk about them. When you know your own opinions, then you can share the with other people.
Talk to your family and friends about the issues and let them know how they can make a difference too.
12. Volunteer
Find an organization that focuses on an issue you care about, and then volunteer your time. In addition to helping them out, you might meet like-minded people to connect with. [Read: Ways volunteer work can help heal depression]
This is a great way to make connections and learn how you can get involved more socially in your community.
13. Attend events
You should also attend events that are hosted by organizations that support social causes that you care about. It could be anything from human rights to fair trade.
Go to a dinner, gala, or conference that raises awareness of their mission and encourages people to take the steps to make a positive difference in the world. [Read: Stand up for yourself – why it’s hard and steps to get what you want and deserve]
14. Donate
You can also donate some of your money to a cause you care about. When you do, find out about the organization’s initiatives to make the world a better place.
You don’t have to be wealthy to donate. Just any amount you can afford is helpful.
15. Recycle and reuse as much as possible to avoid waste and protect the environment
Get in the habit of recycling items like paper bags, glass, cans, and plastic bottles instead of throwing them away. [Read: 70 true secrets to happiness to have a happy life and enjoy everything you do]
You can also reuse grocery bags, too. Also, make sure you don’t waste water and electricity.
Recycling is important to prevent waste from ending up in the oceans and harming animals. Wasting water and electricity uses up the resources we need to live a healthy life.
16. Celebrate diversity
The world population is beautifully diverse. It has a wide range of cultures, races, and backgrounds. You can learn more about other people by interacting with those who are different from you. [Read: Cross culture romance – 40 secrets to have a happy intercultural relationship]
Differences are fascinating, and you should learn to embrace them, not be uncomfortable with them. Love everyone as you love yourself!
17. Adopt a pet from a socially conscious shelter
If you love animals, then adopt a pet from a socially conscious shelter. You can save an animal’s life. More adopted animals also means that there is one less that is suffering and will be euthanized.
Most of these shelters will match you with the perfect animal for your lifestyle and personality. You’ll have a lot to choose from, and you’ll be contributing to animal welfare. [Read: Adopting a pet? The true signs you’re ready to get a pet together]
18. Be open-minded and willing to try new things
Many of us get stuck in our ways and our own habits. And while there’s nothing wrong with that per se, don’t forget that it’s important to be open-minded and willing to try new things if you want to be socially conscious.
Just because you never thought of something before or haven’t tried it doesn’t make it bad. In fact, it’s important to get out of your comfort zone and do what you’ve never done in order to make the world a better place.
19. Set a good example
It’s also important to be a good role model for others in your community, family, and workplace. Lead by example and let others admire your work in the world and want to be like you. [Read: Simple ways to be a better role model for the youth]
It doesn’t have to be anything grand or showy. It can be just as simple as modeling for your children or coworkers that you recycle and don’t waste electricity at home.
How to encourage people to be socially aware
Most people lead very busy lives. From work to raising children and everything in between, it leaves very little time for most people to devote themselves to social causes.
And it’s important to remember that you can’t force anyone else to be socially conscious. They have to want to do it on their own. [Read: Lazy girlfriend – 15 ways to help her change and signs to give up or break up]
However, you can get a little creative and try to make it easy for them to do the right thing. Here are some things you can do.
1. Share your values
Don’t hold back how you feel about your social causes. Tell your family and friends what you think about the issues that are important to you.
Explain your opinions and why you feel that way. The more they know, the more they might be likely to support you and your mission. [Read: How to express your opinions without appearing cocky]
2. Get involved together
When you were in school, you saw when people banded together for a fundraising project for a good cause, right? When you bring people together, the efforts are expanded, and more good can be done.
After all, it’s a lot of work to contribute to social causes—especially if one person is doing it alone. There is power in numbers. So, look for ways that you can all get involved together. [Read: 16 types of friendships, benefits, and how many you need to be happy in life]
3. Make it fun
People like to have fun, and they don’t like doing things that they are obligated to do or feel like they are imposed upon. So you’re going to have to get creative to make them want to do it.
Make it as festive as you can. And don’t forget to post your efforts and causes on social media. Show that your group is having fun, and that will make other people want to join in because they feel like they’re missing out on the fun.
[Read: 17 ways to be a real citizen of the world while staying at home]
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” There are many ways to be a more socially conscious person, so don’t limit yourself to this list of actions. Opportunities arise every minute of every day, and if you can seize even a fraction of those chances to be more socially aware, then do it and don’t look back.
