“You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” — John Bunyan
There are very few people who don’t like the idea of generosity. We are indeed a species that loves to help others and confront needs when we see them. Unfortunately, there are also very few people who are content with the level of generosity in their lives. Most people I know wish they were able to give more. And while there are a number of reasons that this may be the case… sometimes the best solution may be the simplest.
To that end, there are a number of simple steps that we can take to make generosity more intentional in our lives. If you have never given away any money or time, this would be a great way to get started (no matter what your current economic situation is). On the other hand, if you are just hoping to raise the level of generosity in your life, you will also find some of these simple steps to be relevant and helpful.
10 Simple Ways to Become a More Generous Person
1. Consider the benefits of generosity. Generous people report being happier, healthier, and more satisfied with life than those who don’t give. Generosity produces within us a sense that we are capable of making a difference in the world, that we are actively addressing the needs of those around us, and that we are shaping our community into a healthier one. While generosity is typically seen as the opposite of self-serving, counting the personal benefits is indeed one of the most important steps that we can take in getting started.
2. Embrace gratitude. Make a list of the things in your life for which you are grateful. Your list doesn’t have to be long. It won’t take much time. Heck, it doesn’t even have to be a physical list (in your head will be completely sufficient). Sometimes, the most important step you can take to become more generous is to spend more time thinking about what you already possess and less time thinking about what you don’t. Once you start intentionally thinking that way, you may be surprised just how good you already have it… and become more apt to share your life with others.
3. Start really small. If you’ve never given away money, start by giving away $1. If you are embarrassed to give just $1, don’t be. You’ve got nothing to worry about: there are plenty of charities online that allow you to give with your credit card and you’ll never cross paths with the people who record your $1 donation. Of course, the point of this exercise is not to report a $1 tax deduction on your year-end tax return. The point is to get started. If you’ll feel more comfortable giving $5, $10, or $20, start there. But no matter what dollar amount you choose, jump right in with something small. You can afford it… and that little push can help build momentum in your life towards generosity.
4. Give first. When you receive your next paycheck, make your first expense an act of giving. Often times, we wait to see how much we have left over before we determine how much we can give away. The problem is that most of the time after we start spending, there is nothing left over. The habit of spending all of it is too deeply ingrained in our lives. To counteract that cycle, give first. Every payday, write a check for $10 to your local homeless shelter. You just may be surprised how you won’t even miss it.
5. Divert one specific expense. For a set period of time (try 29 days), divert one specific expense to a charity of your choosing. You may choose to bring a lunch to work, ride your bike to work once/week, or give up Starbucks on Mondays (wait, make that Thursday). Calculate the money you’ll save and then redirect it to a specific charity/cause. Whatever you choose, I recommend picking something that would be fun to give up – something unique that you’ll remember. And setting a specific period of time for the experiment should make it completely achievable. Courtney Carver gave away an extra $225 in one month just giving up Starbucks.
6. Fund a cause based on your passions. There are countless charities/causes that need your support. And some of them are directly in-line with your most compelling passions. What are you most passionate about? Is it the environment, poverty, or religion? Maybe it’s world peace, child nutrition, or animal rights? What about education, civil rights, or clean water? Identify what passions already move you, find a committed organization around that cause, and then joyfully help them in their work. In my life, that means I support Essex CHIPS with both my finances and time. It is a local organization that empowers teenagers to make healthy choices. Since I’ve worked with students my entire life, this organization was just a natural extension of my existing passions. As a result, supporting them made perfect sense.
7. Find a person you believe in. If you find that you are more easily motivated and shaped by the people in your life rather than organizations/causes, use that tendency as motivation instead. Take careful notice of the people in your life that you most admire. What organizations/causes do they hold most dear? Who do they support? What makes them passionate about supporting it? And how can you get involved alongside them?
8. Spend time with people in need. One of the most effective antidotes for non-generosity is to make space in your life for those who actually need your help. After all, it is a very small step to go from knowing somebody in need to helping somebody in need. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to volunteer one meal at your local homeless shelter. Most homeless shelters readily accept volunteers and have systems in place to get you started. And rubbing shoulders with the poor just may change your impression of them forever.
9. Spend time with a generous person. One of the most life-changing conversations I’ve ever had about generosity occurred when I found the courage to start asking specific questions of the right person. I remember starting with, “Have you always been generous?” And immediately followed with more: “When did you become so generous? How did it start? How do you decide where your money goes? What advice would you give someone who wants to get started?” It was life-changing. And the other guy paid for the meal… go figure.
10. Live a more minimalist life. Intentionally decide to own less. Oh sure, living a minimalist life won’t automatically make you a more generous person, but it will provide the space necessary to make it possible. You’ll spend less money on things at the department store. You’ll have more time/energy to help others. And the intentionality that emerges in your life will help you discover the need for generosity. Minimalism has resulted in many positive changes in my life – becoming more generous has been one of the most important.
Generosity rarely happens by chance. Instead, it is an intentional decision that we make in our lives. But it does not need to be as difficult as many people think. Sometimes, starting with the simple steps is the best step that we can take.
What simple steps have you incorporated into your life to foster generosity?
Sarah says
And if you can’t give a monetary fund consider giving something else. Volunteer time at a local farm, food kitchen or reading to kids. Couchsurf and get to know new people. Offer a skill you already have or get paid for for free to someone starting out. There are so many small things that mean a great deal to people who don’t have them. You never know what thing you have or can offer that makes a big difference to another.
Bernadette says
Generosity is definitely an attitude as well as an action. It matters less about what you’re giving – a smile, hugs, love, support, knowledge, time, money… and more about the spirit with which we give and act in the world :)
Sandy @ModernSimplicity says
Great reminders and simple ideas. Thanks Joshua.
Rajan says
You are absolutely right. Affordability is not a factor if someone decides to become generous. You have made me realise that minimalist lifestyle saves me so much money to help others. After all being a minimalist (started to be one) I have no other way to spend that extra money I save by not visiting malls without any reason. Thanks to you I am beginning to find out a hundred ways of minimalism which can allow me to help the needy.
Khidr Subhani says
…that which you give for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will increase); it is those who will get a recompense multiplied.” (Qur’an, 30:39)
First hand account: Gave 6 dollars charity and it came back to me in the form of 400 dollars 2 weeks later. Muslims are highly encouraged to give charity as well.
Asfora says
yet again I am seeing comments references the Holy Quran and highlighting the quranic teachings we ALL value and ALL benefit from. SubhanAllah!
2:271 If you declare your charity, then it is acceptable; but if you conceal it and give it to the poor, then that is better for you. It depreciates some of your sins; and God is Ever-aware of all that you do.
64:16 Therefore, be aware of God as much as you can, and listen, and obey, and give for charity for your own good. Whosoever is protected from his own hedonistic desires, then these are the successful ones.
25:67 Those who when they give they are not excessive nor stingy, but they are in a measure between that.
17:26 Give the relative his due, and the poor, and the wayfarer; and do not waste excessively.
2:261 THE PARABLE of those who spend their possessions for the sake of God is that of a grain out of which grow seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains: for God grants manifold increase unto whom He wills; and God is infinite, all-knowing.
2:262 They who spend their possessions for the sake of God and do not thereafter mar* their spending by stressing their own benevolence and hurting [the feelings of the needy] shall have their reward with ‘their Sustainer, and no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve.
2:265 And the parable of those who spend their possessions out of a longing to please God, and out of their own inner certainty, is that of a garden on high, fertile ground: a rainstorm smites it, and thereupon it brings forth its fruit twofold; and if no rainstorm smites it, soft rain [falls upon it]. And God sees all that you do.
2:274 Those who spend their possessions [for the sake of God] by night and by day, secretly and openly, shall have their reward with their Sustainer; and no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve.
Aneesa Memon says
“Wealth never decreases due to charity” – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
amir memon says
“Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” — the prophet muhammad ….
Muslims believe that when (for example) $100 dollars are leaving your pocket physically at that moment, God will actually give you $1000 to $10000 in return if you have donated it purely for the sake of God. MANY MANY MANY have witnessed this.
Thomas Bruhl says
Thanks Joshua. I think we often forget to bring gratitude to our lives. Being busy with “the life”, stressed out and focused on things we generally shouldn’t be (unless one is a minimalist of course ha ha) sometimes turns us into something we probably wouldn’t be. It’s good to get reminded of the real values in life.
Thanks Joshua
Chaitanya says
I have tried the Playa and Ninja styles and love them. I do run trlais and not asphalt as much as I can, so the cheaper option seems to work for me without wearing out quickly. Added financial bonus I did one of those crazy mud runs recently and was able to just wash my ZEMs out afterwards while my friends were all trashing their shoes.
Next Starfish says
Nice list.
Gratitude is vital to generosity. I think very often we need to appreciate just how much we already have in order to feel able to share. Unfortunately we often compare ourselves and our lives to those immediately around us, or even worse figures from the media – if we were more aware of the billions living with far less than we do in the developing world (and within our own societies), we’d probably feel far richer, and more generous as a result.
I plan to write something on creating an attitude of giving shortly, and you’ve given me plenty to think about.
-STEVE-
Remy says
Hey Joshua;
Great to see this and what you are up to. I’m planning on a series regarding “sabbath” this year and I think some of your thoughts will go well. Keep up the good work.