Why Your Actions Matter More Than Ever
In a world where scrolling past bad news has become second nature, there's something powerful about pausing to recognize the impact of positive actions. February 26, marks National Set a Good Example Day—a day dedicated to reminding us that our individual choices create ripples throughout society and together we can create a wave of happiness.
The Concerning Decline in Social Values
The timing couldn't be more crucial. A troubling 2023 survey revealed that 45% of Americans believe moral values are on the decline nationwide. Even more concerning, 60% specifically worry about eroding honesty and integrity in our communities.
These aren't just statistics. They represent a collective feeling many of us experience in our daily interactions—a sense that something fundamental is shifting in how we relate to one another.
Small Actions, Meaningful Impact
National Set a Good Example Day challenges this downward trend by highlighting the power of everyday actions. Across the country, people are embracing simple yet meaningful gestures:
- Acknowledging someone's good deed
- Helping a neighbor with an unexpected need
- Offering sincere compliments
- Making ethical choices even when no one is watching
These might seem small, but collectively, they weave the fabric of the society we want to live in.
From Book to National Movement
The inspiration behind this national day comes from "The Way to Happiness: A Common Sense Guide to Better Living," which sparked a worldwide campaign to restore honesty and trust in communities. The National Day Calendar officially recognized Set a Good Example Day in 2022.
One of the book's 21 precepts—"Set a Good Example"—has become particularly influential, forming the foundation of a school contest that reached an impressive 12,000 US schools and engaged over 15 million students.
Transformation in Action
Ludwig Alpers, President of The Way to Happiness Foundation International, has witnessed the impact firsthand:
"Since the Set a Good Example Day started we have witnessed a remarkable transformation as individuals embrace the principles of The Way to Happiness. This movement has ignited a wave of positive change, with countless acts of kindness and integrity spreading across communities worldwide. National Set a Good Example Day is a pivotal opportunity to amplify this momentum and inspire even more people to lead by example."
The foundation's work extends far beyond a single day of recognition. They've distributed an astounding 138 million copies of The Way to Happiness book across 92 nations in 118 languages, giving practical tools for better living to people around the globe.
How You Can Participate
This February 26th, consider how you might set a positive example in your own sphere of influence. Perhaps it's a commitment to honesty in a difficult conversation, showing patience when it would be easier not to, or simply performing an unexpected act of kindness.
Share your experiences using #setagoodexampleday on social media to inspire others and add momentum to this growing movement.
About The Way to Happiness Foundation
The Way to Happiness Foundation operates as a nonprofit organization committed to community improvement worldwide. By promoting character standards and offering practical tools for better living, they help individuals make positive choices that transform not only their own lives but also the world around them.
The foundation's cornerstone publication, written by author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, continues to serve as a nonreligious moral code based on common sense principles.
