Gain by giving to others
My father often gave to others in ways that people remembered. Although he died when I was young, mum used to tell me stories of how he helped people in practical ways. Mum told one story of dad finding and then dragging back to his family a mate who he found in a pub drinking his wages away. Relatives have told me also of free carpentry jobs my dad had done for them over the years.
I often think that it is impossible to help others without also helping oneself. There really is no such thing as altruism, where we give to others and receive nothing in return. We can benefit by gaining a sense of purpose and fulfillment by leaving this world a slightly better place. It can also help us move the focus off our own worries or at least see our concerns with a better perspective.
Many people find they grow and become more whole people through caring for others. I confess that there have sometimes been occasions when I have been counselling others when I have felt the spark of recognition in needing to apply what I am saying to myself as well.
Giving to others does not have to be hard or complicated. It can be as simple as taking a genuine interest in someone or giving some encouragement. It could also be a resolve that each day you will make someone laugh or feel good about themselves. One lady I know has made a resolution that each time someone is rude to her she will make at least two other people feel good through a genuine compliment or a spontaneous act of kindness. This quickly helps her let go of any negativity as a result of the rudeness.
The return tends to be greater the more that it costs us in time, money or energy. But the key in the giving is that it has to be done expecting nothing in return. My adopted father says we are better to give as if we are giving to God. It could be an anonymous gift of money to someone who is finding it tough financially. It could also be by getting involved as a volunteer in a number of worthy groups - Meals on Wheels, St Vincent de Paul, Lifeline, school support groups, sporting clubs, animal refuges, environmental groups, the list goes on.
American writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, said, "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded". Think about how you could make a difference in someone's life today.
Want to use this article?
You are most welcome to reproduce this article in your newsletter, e-zine, or on your website. All I ask is that you include a live link back to my website and the following by-line:
Ken Warren, known as ‘The Doctor of Difficult People’, is Australia’s leading speaker on the topic. He can show you how to turn difficult customers and co-workers into pussycats, make great teams even better, and achieve better outcomes with challenging clients. Check out his free resources at www.positivepeoplesolutions.com.au
Return to Articles page
Find out about coaching programs with Ken
Check out our upcoming public seminars
Book Ken for your next conference or in-house training day
