If you live caged within the walls of your own opinions and biases, it’s time to grab a sledgehammer and break them down. In this article, we’ll share five tips for becoming more empathetic.
What is Empathy?
The old cliché about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes essentially defines empathy. Berkley University describes empathy as the ability to detect other people’s emotions and imagine how they might think or feel. Another way to think of empathy is the ability to relate with others, even those who are different from you.
What are Ways to Become More Empathetic?
While becoming empathetic takes practice for those who are not naturally inclined toward empathy, it’s possible to develop the skill with these five tips:
1. Think of Others Before Yourself
It’s easy to think about your own needs and desires without a second thought for anyone else. But when you focus on other people, you become aware of a whole new range of needs and desires — ones you never realized existed before you stepped outside yourself (Psychology Today).
2. Avoid Stereotypes
No one fits into a single category. Not all goths have dark personalities, just like not every American loves fast food. It’s crucial we don’t label people based on their race or appearance by making generalized statements like “He’s Italian, so he must eat a lot of pasta,” and “She’s Asian, and that means she’s great at math.” Define every individual as unique.
3. Listen to Others
Once you stop stereotyping, you can start listening to what other people have to say. Ask people questions — teachers, classmates, co-workers, strangers, friends — and find out what their life is like. Do they have interesting hobbies? Are they religious? How do they feel about current events? Once you learn enough about someone, you can move onto the fourth tip on becoming more empathetic (Berkley.edu).
4. Imagine What it’s Like to Be Someone Else
Now you’ve gathered intel about others through listening, and you can begin imagining what it’s like to be another person. Imagining what it’s like to be someone else will help you relate to them on a deeper level (Berkley.edu). Ask yourself what it would feel like to suffer and celebrate, mourn and rejoice the way someone else has.
5. Try Living Someone Else’s Life — Literally
If you have the time and ability, work a new job, volunteer for a few days at a non-profit, or try standing outside all day against the elements, as many unfortunate homeless people must do. Physically taking part in an activity you’ve never done before gives you a new perspective on how people in those positions live and feel.
George Orwell — author of 1984 and Animal Farm — famously dressed as a homeless man and resided on the London streets with the poverty-stricken. He soon discovered stereotypes about homeless people weren’t true (Berkley.edu). Who knows what you’ll discover by donning another persona for a day?
Concluding Thoughts on Empathy
If you want to connect with others intimately and become more well-rounded, you need to start thinking of things from differing perspectives. While you’re most at home nestled among your own opinions, thoughts, values, and beliefs, it’s important to take time to learn about those around you.
For an amazing example of empathy, check out our video “Hopeful Cases,” featuring a musical performer who donates all his earnings to the needy!
