“Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.” ―Henry Longfellow
Generosity makes our world a better place. It improves the life of the receiver. And it improves the life of the giver. Yet, despite the benefits, generosity is still too rare in our world today.
Instead, our society craves and pursues more at every turn. We seek enjoyment by directing most of our resources towards our own pursuits: security, possessions, experiences, enjoyment, and luxury. Meanwhile, significant opportunities for generosity surround us every day at every turn. In order to unconform our thinking in a consumer-driven world and begin taking greater advantage of the abundant benefits of generosity, we need to shift our worldview.
Consider then, these 9 ways generous people see the world differently:
1. They recognize the resource pie is not finite.
The mindset of competition—that my resources only grow when someone else’s shrinks—is based on a faulty premise. It assumes there is a finite sized pie and if someone else enjoys success, my opportunity shrinks. But quite frankly, this thinking is incorrect. The pie of resources is not finite. It continues to grow as society benefits from others’ success.
2. They know that generosity leads to greater happiness.
Studies confirm what generous people already know: Giving increases happiness, fulfillment, and purpose in the life of the giver. We were not designed to be creatures of selfishness. Instead, we were designed to seek and discover happiness in loving and caring for others. And those who decide to look for fulfillment there, quickly discover it.
3. They find success in helping others succeed.
The easiest path to finding success in your life is to help someone else find theirs. After all, our contribution to this world has to be measured by something more significant than the size of our savings account. Our lives are going to find their greatest significance in how we choose to live them—and how we enable others to live theirs.
4. They believe changing even one life is worthwhile.
Generous people are quick to admit the world’s problems will never be solved by one person… and perhaps, never completely solved even in the future. But perfection does not slow them. To them, changing even one life within their sphere of influence is reward enough. And is a worthy endeavor to be sought.
5. They trust others.
Generosity always requires trust. To invest individual resources into another person, we must believe, on some level, that they will use them wisely. Generous people are optimistic. And optimistic people are happy people because they choose to live in a world where belief in others is liberally employed.
6. They dream big dreams for their money.
Our money is only as valuable as what we choose to spend it on. Generous people use their excess to bring big dreams into reality. Our financial resources can be used to improve the quality of life for others. They can be used to make our communities safer, smarter, and more responsible. They can be used to make this world a little more pleasant for everyone. Indeed, generous people dream big dreams for their money… and so should we.
7. They see more resources to give than money.
We have so much more to offer this world than just financial resources. We have time, talents, experiences, and lessons learned. Giving people think beyond their money and begin to invest their lives into others. Often times, this step can be more difficult than signing a check… but usually, it is more desperately needed.
8. They fully embrace the reality that life is short.
Life is short. And we only get one shot at it. Those who fully embrace this reality learn to live life in light of it. They recognize we have but a short time to leave our imprint on this world. And they cheerfully give their resources to accomplish it.
9. They are content to live with less.
By definition, true generosity requires a level of contentment. It recognizes the reality that giving our resources to another person means we have less for ourselves. In this way, contentment forms the foundation for generosity. But in response, surprisingly enough, generosity also becomes the fuel for greater contentment.
Our world is desperately seeking cheerful and generous givers. They improve society. They inspire us. They push us forward. And their view of the world is one I desire to further grow in my own life.
Image: Chris Yarzab
Eric Ewhevherhere says
Yes success is impacting the world through the investment of your personality.
Shayest says
I gave always to others what I had. Now I need so much but I can not ask the others. I have never thought only abut me. Now I need to thing only about me. that make me sad and unhappy. But through the internet I dare ask people maybe somebody can help me. I want to begin a work but it need money and i have nothing. I can give it back after a year. do you now somebody who has enough money and is enough generous for barrow me. NL 83 INGB 749398701
Edgar says
WOW, nice article! …. Am called Edgar and live in a small East African country called Uganda. Our country is not economically prosperous like the western nations, but my country-mates seem a lot happier than the European and American people. Reason? People back here, most especially the poor, are always willing to share the little the have with others. They live happy fulfilled lives. I guess we can all learn from that. To share is to love!
Bill says
Great stuff!
I sometimes fantasize about getting rid of all my objects, living out of a rucksack and becoming a beggar. But i don’t have the balls to do it, and i like the luxuries of life like hot running water, clean sheets and clothes, and eating the food i like when i want it. Over 99.99999999999999999999999% of creatures that have ever been alive don’t exist any more. I’ve got to let it all go when i expire so why can’t i do it now!
Joanna Irwin says
Funny I start to feel all happy inside when I give away something to someone or give to a person in need then I think I have plenty left for my family and myself how much better it would be to give my last penny, my last piece of food to someone. There is a u tube clip of a person asking for a meal to be shared by random members of the public saying “I’m hungry and have no money could you give me some of your sandwich, or to another some of your lunch they all said go away and offered some excuse. They found a homeless man who they gave a pizza to and asked if they could have some he said “sure yes” and sat with him and ate.
Reece Precious says
Im all for the leftie idea of giving for givings sake. You shouldn’t impose conditions on generosity, judgement and generosity are at the opposite ends of the scale.
Susan says
I grew up with a very judgmental attitude towards people who asked for money. I chose to doubt whether they really needed it and accepted a belief that they probably found it easier to beg than work, or that I might be only contributing to their need for drugs or booze. Somewhere along the way, I came to realize that what happens to my financial donation to a person on the street is NOT what is important. When I give I try to say with a warm smile ‘bless you brother (or sister)’. I now chose to believe that I can take the opportunity not only to NOT pass judgment on another, but also to plant a seed. One that says ‘you are worthy and I care about you’, so that in their future, they too may come to believe what is in the hearts of many.
jajang jaenudin says
please help me and show me to the generous people to develop my bussiness
http://bebas-freeclick.blogspot.com/2014/02/only-5-dollar.html
Nel Johns says
If anyone here is willing to help out a young woman who is struggling..
I’ve become desperate, and I turned to a donation website that has many people just asking for free money to get a car, or move to a new city, or buy a puppy for their kid, etc… However, what I’m asking of anyone willing, is any donations to help me pay bills, buy food, and afford a bus pass.
Thanks for reading this comment. I hate requesting handouts, but I’m at my limits here
Donate here:
http://www.gofundme.com/6oo8xs
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