Generosity -- The Gift That Gives Back

Have you ever noticed that there is a link between generosity, happiness, and prosperity? Most of us know someone, hopefully several someones, who give so generously and yet always have plenty more for themselves -- and additional giving. There's a joy and a happiness about them that is both attractive and inspiring. Thankfully, many of these people are business owners and business professionals that are making a huge impact in the communities in which they serve. While they are not always easy to spot, usually by design, their impact is undeniable and can be seen in at least three specific ways.

Givers are generous with their resources: So many successful business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals have built their business from the ground up. They know what it is like to struggle and they have a genuine appreciation for what they have received as a result of their hard work, and they can usually point back to a time when someone helped them. In appreciation and gratitude, they want to give back by either "paying it forward" or by giving from their own abundance.

Givers are generous with their time: I've noticed that most generous business people are willing to give their time to a cause, an event, a community organization, or an educational opportunity. You find them serving on boards, volunteering for events, or bringing perspective to a project. The great ones are not afraid to get their hands dirty and never seek attention or recognition for their efforts. Time is a precious gift, and they are willing to give it.

Givers are generous with their wisdom and knowledge: One of the benchmarks of a truly successful business owner or entrepreneur is their willingness to share what they have learned in their journey. While you may not get any trade secrets, particularly if you are a competitor, you will get valuable nuggets -- if you are open to receiving them. My experience shows that these people are not only willing to share their wisdom, they are eager and honored to do it. In a time when mentorship and coaching are so desperately needed, these are the people who stand up and fill the gap. As with resources and time, they want to give back and find happiness and joy in the effort. Test this for yourself and see if it isn't true.

Just a quick word of caution: If we are not willing to be generous in return, we'll quickly find our precious access cut off or severely limited. Users and takers are quickly sorted out and may find themselves on the outside looking in. There is a difference between charity and empowerment -- and there is a time for both. However, sooner or later the true giver, out of obligation to those who "will", must move on and invest their resources where they are likely to grow -- not in direct return for themselves, but for the betterment and advancement of others. The principle of sowing and reaping takes care of the giver and they are seldom in want.

It is this cycle, and this attitude toward giving that produces new generations of givers and those who will pay it forward, without hesitation and with a joyful heart. So let's start where we are, with what we have, and begin or expand our own cycle of generosity.

Happiness and prosperity are highly sought after and may just be found on the other side of generosity. I wish you well in your journey to that other side.

Send this to the givers you know and thank them for their great generosity.