To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
We can always find something to give. The joy of giving does not spring from the availability of dispensable resources.
True richness is defined not in how much you have but how much you can give! Meaning, fulfillment and happiness come from making a difference and giving happiness to others.
In their book, Why Good Things Happen to Good People, Dr. Stephen Post and journalist Jill Neimark show how giving unlocks the doors to health, happiness and a longer life. They include a 50-year study showing that people who give during their high school years have better physical and mental health throughout their lives. Other studies show that older people who give, live longer than those who don’t. Helping others has been shown to bring health benefits to those with chronic illness, including HIV, multiple sclerosis and heart problems. Studies also show that people of all ages, who help others on a regular basis, even in small ways, feel happiest.
Reflect on the following questions:
- Do you give unconditionally? Think of a good thought for someone. How do you feel?
- Do you have a “tight-fist” mentality, one that neither gives nor receives?
- When you pass on, what will you take with you?
- Do you have something to give – time, knowledge, experience, money?
- Do you give with respect, humility and love?
- Do you wait for the perfect time to give?
- Do you give the benefit of doubt to someone before judging him?
- Do you find an excuse not to give, or instead find an excuse to give?
- Do you keep a score on how much you’ve given to someone?
- Do you strive to give up anger, resentment, jealousy and negative ego?
Giving is a potent force and it works in all walks of life. When you give your customers extraordinary value, they give you more business. When you give to your colleagues, there is more harmony and camaraderie. If you mentor your subordinates, they perform better. When you are a loving spouse, you create harmony. If you love your children, they feel more secure. If your business gives to society, you earn credibility.
Excerpts from the forthcoming book, ‘What You Seek is Seeking You’ by Azim Jamal & Brian Tracy.