Do you believe karma is real? Nearly nine in 10 Americans do, according to a new survey that finds 84% buy into the idea that what goes around comes around. That’s probably why another 84% say they go out of their way to “pay it forward” whenever possible.
The poll of 2-thousand U.S. adults also reveals:
- The most popular ways people pay it forward include treating loved ones to something special (50%), leaving generous tips (48%) and helping a neighbor out with something, like carrying their groceries or shoveling snow (46%).
- Paying it forward can also include donating money to organizations and charities (40%), volunteering their time (38%) and supporting small or locally owned businesses (35%).
- Aside from any karma-related benefits, paying it forward also leaves Americans feeling better about themselves (49%), their life overall (37%) and feeling more confident (22%).
- Doing these acts of kindness makes people feel better than being on the receiving end of them, as 72% say their spirits are lifted more when they help someone else than when someone helps them.
- People have also felt the effects of bad karma, including in the form of bad relationships (34%), losing something (27%) and fights with others (27%).
- Almost three-quarters (72%) of those polled consider themselves to be generous.
- The average American does five generous acts every week, for a total of 260 random acts of kindness a year.
- Respondents define generosity as “going out of your way to help someone else” (68%), “giving your time” (54%) and “paying it forward” (40%).
- While only 43% feel “financially secure,” 65% would probably keep the chain going and pay for the food of the person behind them in the drive-thru if someone else paid for theirs.
Source: SWNS Digital
Scott's Thoughts:
- The best thing about believing in karma is that you don’t have to do any dirty work, you can sit back and let karma do its thing!
- I often say "Karma's a bitch."
- I try to help those in need. But I am not handing out money to the guy and gal at the traffic light with the little sign. They are in search of drug money most of the time. I have also heard they can make several hundred a day doing that.