I read a wonderful little book, “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg. The essence of the book is that in order to truly be successful, you have to find more pleasure in giving than in receiving. Once we change our paradigm to be more aware of others, it frees us up to receive. Ultimately our happiness isn’t about what we get, but about how we openly give to others – and ultimately rise in our own success by building others up. And, it’s amazing when you focus on giving, how often it is that you have the opportunity to receive as well.
As stated in the book, here are the “Five Laws of Stratospheric Success”:
- The Law of Value
- Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
- The Law of Compensation
- Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.
- The Law of Influence
- Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.
- The Law of Authenticity
- The most valuable gift you can offer is yourself.
- The Law of Receptivity
- The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.
Hmm – read that last one again. The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.
Think about that. So often we tend to go overboard on the giving boat – we get that rush from giving and blessing others, and start to do it more and more….and it’s awesome! And then someone tries to give to us, and we reject it. We are in giving mode, not receiving mode.
Remember that giving is a two-way street. Whenever you are presented with the opportunity to give, know that it is just as much a powerful lesson for that other person to be able to receive. Be willing to allow for reciprocity as well as completely undeserved giving. Generosity is a beautiful and powerful thing.
We all have the ability to share it with the world, and when we do, it simply makes our own cups fuller as we experience the pleasure of sharing and letting go. Gratitude, surprise, appreciation, powerful emotions where people are moved because it was so needed; these are the amazing things we get to experience. And sometimes, none of that happens, and we may not experience anything but our own joy of giving freely with no agenda.
Either way, we benefit. No matter what the outcome, giving is getting. When you give, you feel a wave of happiness that is your gift beyond any end result from the person you gave to. Stay open to the gifts that others can give to you. And always have an air of generosity and love in your life – it’s the greatest gift of all.
This little book is a quick read, and very simply lays out the importance of considering others. In a world of “me first” and people just rushing through the day, this is a very uplifting concept that is definitely worth practicing! Keep in mind that giving is not just about money—it’s about time, listening, supporting, acts of service…think of ways you can give back.
How are you giving back, and how do you see others living this life out well?
Stay tuned to another upcoming post where I share a powerful story where someone gave to our family…
Derek, I just listened to your podcast interview with Family Adventure Podcast!! I loved it and was so inspired – having Nathan listen to it next! We are gearing up for our own family travels and love hearing the words of wisdom from those who have gone on their own adventures!
Our desire with our travels is to have a part of our budget be focused on giving – where we set aside an amount and then we as a family figure out how we are going to give on our trip – to one person, a worthy cause, spread out to others, etc. A great way to spread the love wherever we go…not to mention that incredible lessons our kids will learn as they help to budget it out and decide what we do with it. Kickin it unschool completely!
Thanks for the kind words – us mamas tend to really struggle with taking the time for ourselves – there is always someone else that needs taking care of! Just taking a bit of time to recharge makes such a positive difference in what we actually CAN give to our family – nothing like a recharged mama!
Ashley, I loved this book, too, highly recommend it!
You are so right about being so consumed with giving, we neglect receiving others gifts. I think, as mothers, we become so wired to live for our families, we neglect ourselves. In figuring out my “big rocks”, I have come to the conclusion that God comes first, but I come second, in front of my family. This caused me to feel guilty as first, but, as Michael Hyatt says, if I don’t take care of me first, I can’t take care of anyone else. Part of taking care of myself is learning to receive!
Thank you, and keep up these wonderful posts, you are so talented!
Micki
Go Giver is such a great book!
Thanks for this reminder that I need to continually put the focus on helping others.
Sometimes I want success so bad I shove others out of the way.
Funny thing is, that doesn’t work. It’s not good for those I’m trying to help and it’s not good for me either.
-Derek