Use Small Surprises and Thoughtful Gestures to Create Lasting Happiness

On a day like any other, you decide to accept a challenge: make someone’s day, just because. You notice your coworker dragging her feet and, during lunch, you slip a silly cartoon with a kind note into her bag. She doesn’t notice until later, but when she does, the ripple is immediate—her shoulders relax a little, she walks with a lighter step. The next morning, she brings in muffins for the team, paying the good feeling forward.

You realize the surprise wasn’t about the size of the gesture, but the fact that it was unplanned, thoughtful, and actually connected to something meaningful to her. Throughout the week, you’re surprised by how much more tuned-in you feel to small joys yourself—the coffee with extra foam, the smile from the bus driver, your phone buzzing with a note from a friend.

Psychologists studying happiness have found that these 'random acts of kindness' create upward spirals. The effect endures longer than simply receiving a bonus or planned reward, because surprise sends a signal: someone is thinking of you. Interestingly, those who give thoughtful gifts often report more of a happiness boost than those who receive them.

Scan your circle for someone who could use an emotional lift—pick them, then find one unexpected, truly personal way to brighten their week, whether it’s a small treat or a note tucked into their space. Give your gesture freely, letting the delight be its own reward. Don’t look for anything in return; just observe how delivering a simple wow moment increases your own happiness and makes the world feel a little kinder. Take on this micro-challenge now and see how far those ripples reach.