Altruism, the unselfish characteristic and concern for others, can take on many forms. It’s just a matter of finding your passion for how you want to help. Here are a few ways to adopt an altruistic mindset.

Adopt a child
With thousands of children waiting to be adopted, there’s an opportunity to make a tremendous impact on a life. Because it is such a commitment, there are several things to consider, not the least of which is the age and race of the child you’re willing to adopt. You need to determine if you have the financial capacity and time to raise a child.

Adopt a pet
Everyone knows that a dog is a man’s best friend, but unfortunately there are many situations where pets of all kinds are abandoned, abused and end up at the animal shelter. Again, several factors will affect the type of pet you choose to adopt. Consider your family and the ages of your children. If you decide on a dog, have the entire family spend some time with the pet and even take it for a walk prior to making your final decision.

Adopt a highway
Ok, adopting a highway isn’t as heartwarming as adopting a child or a pet, but it definitely has its benefits. Highway clean up projects are typically organized by companies or organizations but families can also adopt their own stretch of a road. While you invest in a cleaner environment, your group has received public recognition by the motorists passing by your good deed.