“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?
Ralf says
Three years ago we planted trees in a public wood. Next weekend a third of them were stolen.
Kent says
That’s not great, but someone has a tree (or 3) and you gave them it : ) Hopefully their lives will be better for it.
Ralf says
I agree. People who can spend $225 per month on Starbucks should donate more.
Rhonda says
I believe we can also make a difference by giving of our time to our children and grandchildren and showing them to live generously and graciously. So many people forget how children need to see generosity at home. Such a beautiful article and reminder of what’s important.
Serounian Keir says
I would add this: Cultivate your gifts and talents to serve others. I like carpentry, so it’s very enjoyable to remodel a room, lay down some tile, or rebuild some cabinets. Are you a musician? Teach someone how to play the guitar or the piano. Are you an artist? teach someone how to draw or paint. Can you sew? Help someone learn to make their own clothes. Others have taught people to make jewelry and other items, how to start a small business on etsy or ebay. If you cultivate the spirit of servanthood, you’ll never be without opportunities to bless the lives of others, and that’s a good way to live.
Nancy says
Grow your hair and donate to Locks of Love or Pantene for wigs for those going through chemo. I did this and it felt very good knowing a child or adult could make them feel less self conscious. It took me 3 years and I wore a pony tail or clip most of the time.
When I had 8 inches (minimum needed), why not go the 12!
After it was cut, the hairdresser knew the procedure to get the hair to locks of love. Make it a family thing. Guys can do it too…pony tails are sexy on a guy!
Chetan Patel says
nice job dear.
Lavada says
About six years ago our family decided to forego Christmas gifts and donate the money we would have spent. We take turns each year picking a local charity and giving the money. The first year, the person in charge of the charity cried when she received the check. It is so much more rewarding than exchanging gifts we don’t need.
Janice says
What a beautiful idea and action thank you for sharing this wonderful example of giving
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cam says
For those of us who bring their lunch to work everyday and gave up Starbucks to pay our rent, just smile.
Sometimes generosity is a smile. Smile say good morning to someone you normally wouldn’t just because
you were in a hurry. Be generous with your courtesy say please and thank you. Have a nice day or How
are you today, work as well. Just because you can’t extend any of the suggestions above doesn’t mean your
smile isn’t worth something. All I have to give today is my smile and I hope you smile back. If not that’s okay,
my heart smiles for both of us.
Marla says
Volunteering on a regular basis is truly a wonderful way to share your expertise, support or whatever you have to give (and a great way to give back and spread joy even on a tight $ budget).
Vivienne Johnson says
Joshua, I really appreciated your reminder that small changes can make a big difference. I realised this when using the staff canteen at work. I would get a chai latte every day, sometimes (because they are so nice) I would have 2. They are £1.20 each so I was spending about £40 a month on a cup of tea.
When I started looking at the price of food in the canteen I started to take left-overs and sandwiches in a box for lunch and saved another £80 to £100 a month. Take into account the odd chocolate bar and biscuit I saved a good £150 a month and was healthier for it.