I wanted to volunteer for a non-profit that helps underprivileged children with their education.
Surprisingly, I felt a bit shy when calling them. I paused and asked myself why I felt so when I was about to do something good. If I were going to help a for-profit school by charging a fee, would I have felt the same shyness? Probably not.
It’s interesting how our minds work—doing the right thing can feel a little uncomfortable.
Whenever we deviate from our regular course of action, it unnerves us. The mind’s way of cautioning us about venturing into uncharted territory. The amygdala in our brain is more focused on assessing immediate threats or rewards rather than considering long-term consequences.
Another intriguing aspect is that every time we engage in noble deeds, we might tell ourselves it’s about giving back to society and benefiting others. But deep down, we know we do it for personal reasons. And that’s okay.
A part of our brain might even say that we’re seeking to feel superior to others and inadvertently chasing status through it. So, when I dial that non-profit’s number, essentially I’m saying, “Hey, I want to feel good about myself and boost my status. Can you help with that?”
And this underlying thought results in the shyness. Charity, therefore, isn’t easy.
The same applies when unsolicitedly offering your seat to an elderly person on a bus or train. It’s way more difficult than it seems.
Parth Choudhury 