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Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions?

You wake up, go to work, eat, sleep – rinse and repeat the same process the following day. Sound familiar? It does to many people. However, there is an easy way to break the cycle and live again.

It’s called supporting a cause.

As far as fighting poverty is concerned, there is no better way to bring purpose back into your life than by helping others.

Here’s how it works…

What you’ll discover:

• Why a Sense of Purpose Matters
• How Poverty Alleviation Reignites Meaning
• 5 Easy Ways to Support a Cause Today
• The Ripple Effect of Giving Back

Why a Sense of Purpose Matters

Purpose is not just some fluffy concept. Purpose fuels your action.

Without it, life starts to feel…

• Repetitive
• Empty
• Lonely

Research has found that people with a strong sense of purpose tend to experience less stress and depression. But wait, there’s more.

Purpose has been linked to:

• Better mental health
• Stronger social connections
• Longer life expectancy
• Higher daily energy

The problem is though… Most people are looking for significance in all the wrong places. They seek advancement, bigger homes or nicer vehicles. Sure, those are good things, but they won’t satisfy you.

Why? Because real purpose comes from making an impact on something bigger than yourself.

How Poverty Alleviation Reignites Meaning

Ok now for the good news. Helping the poor is one of the best ways to restore your passion.

Here’s why:

The issue is enormous. As per World Bank data, around 831 million people remain in extreme poverty as of 20FIVE. This equates to about 1 out of every 10 individuals worldwide.

Crazy, right?

Think of it this way. When you donate to a good charity that combats poverty you become part of the solution. You go from being a passive observer to an active builder. Just knowing that makes you feel better about yourself.

And the best part? You don’t have to travel to foreign countries or take a year off work to accomplish them. There are little ways you can help today that will greatly impact those living in extreme poverty.

Here’s how to get started…

5 Easy Ways to Support a Cause Today

So you want to help fight poverty, but aren’t sure how to go about it? These are 5 easy methods that everyone can take part in.

Make a Monthly Donation

This is the easiest way to start.

Automating a small monthly gift to your favorite charity is one of the best things you can do. The best reason to do it? Charities rely on steady funding to plan their work.

A few things to keep in mind when choosing a charity:

• Check their transparency reports
• See where the money actually goes
• Look for measurable impact and results
• Make sure they align with your values

Each little bit per month compounds over time to create sustainable poverty relief where it’s needed most.

Volunteer Your Time

Don’t have the cash to donate? Your time works just as well.

Volunteering for a local cause is an excellent way to get that mojo back. Studies show that spending even a few hours a month helping out will not only benefit your own health but can truly make a difference in another persons life.

You could:

• Help out at a community food bank
• Mentor someone in need
• Join a charity event in your area
• Donate professional services to a non-profit

Volunteering really can give you a rush. You’ll feel it even after one shift. And the benefits last long after you leave.

Share Your Skills

This one is underrated.

Are you good at marketing, writing, accounting, or designing? Lots of charities are drowning and could use your expertise. Contact them and offer your services pro bono.

You will be surprised how much you can offer by just sharing what you know. You will also make connections too.

Spread Awareness

There’s no need to donate money or time to change the world. Just… talking about the cause can help.

Share anti-poverty posts on Facebook or Twitter. Discuss poverty with friends and family. Blog about poverty. The more people aware of the problem, the greater number of donors charities will get from the general public.

Fundraise For a Cause

Want to step things up a notch? Set up your own fundraiser.

You can:

• Run a marathon for charity
• Host a community bake sale
• Start a birthday fundraiser online
• Organise a sponsored event with your workplace

Plus? People around you will be inspired to donate too. The ripple effect is huge!

The Ripple Effect of Giving Back

Here’s something most people don’t realise…

When you support a cause, you’re not only impacting those you’re serving. YOU are changed as well. It’s wonderful how THAT works.

When you support poverty alleviation work, you’ll start to notice some big changes:

• Improved mood: Helping others releases neurotransmitters that naturally elevate your mood.
• Stronger connections: You will be surrounded by like-minded people who share the same values as you and want to help make the world a better place.
• Gratitude: Traveling will help you be grateful for what you have when you see how other people live worldwide.
• Better sense of self: You will feel better about yourself and your beliefs.

It’s a win-win-win.

However, the true benefits appear when you commit long-term. People who consistently donate to charities over time have been found to experience significantly greater life satisfaction than those who made a single donation.

Why? Because generosity becomes your identity. When generosity is your identity, your sense of purpose remains intact — even on the tough days.

Final Thoughts

Purpose is never going to find you on the couch. Purpose is what you make while taking action.

Volunteering your time to support a cause such as fighting poverty is one of the best methods. A quick recap:

• Find a charity that truly aligns with your values
• Start small with a donation, time, or skills
• Stay consistent over time
• Watch how it changes your life and the lives of others

Billions of people worldwide continue to live in dire poverty. There is a great need. But you can make a difference too.

Choose one of these tips and begin today. You’ll thank yourself later.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com