Author: Arvind Devalia
Do you look to help others in any way you can? Or do you tend to
look out just for yourself?
Most cultures and religions emphasis that life is all about
giving. You reap what you sow, and by being generous and sharing
your goodness is how you become happier.
We have a choice in how we behave towards others. We can be
generous, considerate and caring to the people around us. Or we
can be mean, self centered and petty.
Every human interaction is an opportunity for giving and
receiving a gift, such as love, friendship, honesty, support,
thoughtfulness, generosity, humor and fun.
When you give to another, you receive the blessings of what you
have given them – such as pleasure, satisfaction and joy. What
goes around comes around, and once you put the balance cycle of
giving and receiving in action, you will receive as surely as
you give.
At the same time, be open to receiving. If everyone was giving,
and no one was receiving, to whom would we be giving? Recognize
that by being open to receiving, you are giving the other person
an opportunity to be blessed by their giving. It is a great
thing to give… and to receive.
Every time you meet someone, ask yourself – what can I do for
this person? A sincere compliment or even just acknowledging
their presence can make a huge difference to them – and you.
Do not confuse giving compliments with flattery. Compliments
should be positive, sincere and focused on achievements. For
example, “You look radiant today. You must really be taking good
care of yourself”.
Look for opportunities for connecting people. A lot of business
is done through personal recommendations and we all know someone
who is excellent at what they do. Or simply get like minded
people together. Hook up people who you feel may have some
synergies.
In any situation, ask yourself – how can I help? How can I
contribute here?
We can all strive to lead a life of contribution. Though we
can’t all be like Gandhi, Mother Teresa or Nelson Mandela, we
can certainly make a difference to the world in our own small
way.
Here are some simple ways you can begin to contribute to the
people you meet every day.
1. Smile and see how others respond. Give someone the gift of
your smile and kindness. It is amazing how easily you can uplift
someone with a smile.
2. Help someone lost or in some trouble. Look for the proverbial
damsel in distress. Even giving directions to a lost tourist
will lift your spirits.
3. Help someone for no other reason than to make their life
easier. For example, next time you are in a traffic queue, give
way to other motorists. Count the number of times each day that
you do something for others simply to help them.
4. Make a monetary contribution to a good cause. You will be
surprised how far a little change can go. For example, at the
Oxfam shop in St Johns Wood High St, London you can donate 99p
which will buy a baby’s vest in Bosnia and for £8.99 you can
send a Bangladeshi child to school for 6 months. Wherever you
are in the world, you can certainly find ways of giving in small
ways which makes a huge impact.
5. Say something positive to at least 3 people every day. This
could be your neighbor, a work colleague or the newsagent. The
opportunities of brightening up someone’s day are endless once
you begin to look out for them.
6. Recommend someone’s services or products. Help other people
grow through your recommendations. Offer to put people in touch
with someone who you think could help them. Recommend the
plumber or decorator who did such a great job for you.
7. Talk in glowing terms about someone to a third person.
Instead of gossiping and “bitching”, stop and get in to the
habit of only saying positive things about other people.
8. Acknowledge at least three people daily. This could be by
sending them a greeting card or a “thank you” note, telephoning
or emailing. Perhaps a mobile text message. Do something for
them which you know they will appreciate.
Remember, you are a gift bearer and a gift receiver in every
relationship. And the key to creating the life you love is
contribution.
Make this the week when you begin contributing and giving. Make
contribution a life long mission.
Your life will change dramatically and your interactions with
other people will become more satisfying, enjoyable and fun.
Have a wonderful life of giving and receiving.
© Arvind Devalia 2008
About the author:
Arvind Devalia, AKA The Make It Happen Guy, is an entrepreneur, author, coach & speaker, specializing in Making It Happen. He is passionate about empowering people, contributing to the world through his work and enhancing excellence in individuals and in companies.Visit Arvind’s site and download his free e-book “Make It Happen“.
Also, visit Arvind’s blog for his Inspirational Tips to Make it Happen for a better you and a better world.
