Success in 12 Months: Simple Ways to Give Back
We’re moving into the second week of the final month of my “Success in 12 Months” blog series, and we’re wrapping the series up with the topic of giving back.
Mark Victor Hansen, author of many of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, has this to say about giving: “My gift of giving is receiving. I reap what I sow. I sow generously, creatively, boldly, with an attitude of gratitude; my gift, returns to me multiplied.”
Whether you visit a convalescent home or hospital for terminally ill children, or prepare breakfast for the homeless, or shoveling snow from your elderly neighbor’s sidewalk, or give anonymously through putting money in parking meters for other people, or go to a restaurant and pay for a family’s meal without them knowing you did it, you will feel the power of giving.
Last week, I asked you to give somebody in your life a compliment. This week, I’m asking you to help out two people–without being asked first.
Your Weekly Action Step: Give a Helping Hand–or Two
This is going to make you go a little bit above and beyond yourself, because you may not even notice that other people need help.
So maybe you’re out in public and you see somebody struggling with their grocery bags. Hustle over and help them load those bags into their car and just enjoy the experience of being able to help them. It’s a minute out of your time to give somebody else a boost, to give them an advantage, like we talked about earlier.
I mentioned the elderly. Do you know an elderly person living alone? Spending an hour with them every now and then can do wonders for them boosting their spirits. Bring them a meal and you’ve done another gift. If you don’t plan on making this a regular even don’t imply that as that is one thing an elderly person won’t forget!
Look for opportunities. Tune your mind into the opportunity to do something nice for someone. It doesn’t have to cost you a lot of time, but the amount of benefit you receive will be absolutely massive.
Being of service may be new to you, but once you experience it, you’ll understand that it’s more than worth the effort you put into it.
Document in your success journal how you felt after giving.
That’s it for this week. We’ll take this further next week.
Share your thoughts and your progress, leave a comment below or e-mail me and let me know what’s been happening for you. I’m investing in you and want to support you in your success!
