The Surprising Way to Achieve Your Goals – By Giving!
One of the best methods to achieve your goals may seem surprising (and even backwards), but trust me: IT WORKS.
As I write this post, Valentine’s day is upon us. During this time, couples are in a mad dash to purchase and plan grand gestures of their affection to those they love.
Of course, there are the scrooges out there who don’t give much at all now or throughout the year.
Obviously, they’re not feeling the love. They’re stingy, not donating of time or money to any cause. They usually give excuses, like “I don’t have it right now…” or “I’m too busy…”
They even question the intentions of the possible recipient. How many times have you rationalized not giving to the homeless because “They’re going to spend it on drugs or alcohol, anyways?”
If this sounds like you, you might just be afraid of giving too much.
What if I don’t have enough for myself or my family… how can I worry about giving to others? You might ask. Or what if I get taken advantage of?
Trust me, I hear you. These are real concerns. When I was in high school, the ultimate status symbol was having your own car. I was one of the fortunate few that owned one.
It was great, until everyone began asking me for free rides.
My family and I were struggling to make ends meet, and my friends wanted me to use my precious gas for free taxi rides?
However, over years of studying those that are wildly successful, I realized three things about giving and achieving your goals:
1. We are blessed with gifts and things that others don’t have
2. We have the responsibility of sharing it with others when we are able
3. If you realize follow the above two points, you will be continually successful
Why? Because you will have adopted a Limitless mindset, something I discuss in detail in my book, Possess Your Success.
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Those scrooges that I described above have a Limited mindset. Also known as a poverty mindset, it is a mindset that holds the following beliefs.
1. There are not enough resources
2. I only have to take care of myself and no one else matters
3. This is just the way things are and how it’s going to be
People with a Limitless mindset, on the other hand, are freely generous. They understand that there is abundance and opportunity all around us, and when they experience that abundance, they share it.
And because they are so generous, they attract other givers. They look to help solve other people’s problems and meet their needs, and in return many help them.
Mentors raise them up. Customers flock to them. The media picks them up in regular news cycles. Their giving sets up chain reactions throughout their lives and the lives of those they help.
It likely won’t happen immediately, but slowly over time the returns are plentiful.
Example: One of my college buddies called me a couple of years ago to let me know he was moving to Atlanta. After an emotionally-draining relationship and some soul-searching, he decided he needed a major change.
However, he also needed a place to stay for a couple nights. He was low on cash, and he needed to find a place to rent.
I took him in without hesitation, introduced him to my friends, and even hooked him up with a microwave when he finally moved into his new place.
He has repaid that favor multiple times over, from donating to my crowdfunding campaign to donating my current website theme, becoming one of my biggest supporters in the process.
Not to mention he has really gotten his life on-track since then, absolutely crushing it here.
See? A perfect win-win.
So how can you use giving as an asset and not a hindrance to your success?
PFF (Pay it Forward First). If you’re just starting out on your path to achieving your goals, start by giving. I always do something donation-related before I start any venture because it helps me get into the right frame of mind. Plus, as stated above, you never know when you’ll need the help of others.
If you don’t have money, give time. If you are short on time, give money. You don’t have to go overboard, but give enough so that it has a positive impact on you and the ones you are donating to.
Give often. I also make it a point to find new and creative ways to give as often as possible. We all need that constant reminder that others aren’t as fortunate as us, or that our skills are sorely needed. Giving often really puts life into perspective and keeps you humble, helping you avoid the negative effects of pride, arrogance, and selfishness that will inevitably lead to your downfall.
Set Boundaries. Finally, identify the freeloaders in your life and limit them, if possible. Clearly define what you are willing and unwilling to do for them and stick to it. Otherwise, they will suck the joy out of your giving and leave you completely jaded, unwilling to help others in the future.
Devoting time, effort, money, and energy to others is a huge help not only to those you impact, but to yourself as well. In fact, when used properly, paying it forward can really propel you forward towards achieving your goals.
