What is a mitzvah? While some will say that a mitzvah is simply a "good deed," the truth is that the Hebrew word "mitzvah" literally means "commandment."
Why do people associate "mitzvah" with good deeds? Because in many contexts in which people talk about "doing a mitzvah" it often refers to an act of kindness done between humans. Showing kindness toward fellow humans, such as helping, doing favors, visiting the ill, sharing a kind word, are all actions that fit in the category of "Hesed" - kindness - commandments. They happen to be good deeds as well.
Other mitzvahs commanded in the Torah are not necessarily "good deeds" - such as reciting blessings or the Shema, wearing tzitzit, eating kosher, observing the Sabbath. There are also "negative commandments" such as not stealing, murder, committing adultery, worshipping idols. These mitzvahs are fulfilled by avoiding such actions when the opportunity arises.
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