This week, I want to challenge you. I will tell you from the outset, I intend to make you uncomfortable and to stretch you beyond where you typically live. Why? Because that is where growth happens, that is where the momentum begins, and that is how you become an unstoppable force for good beyond even your biggest dreams. I can comfortably assure this because I have witnessed it for myself in several areas already this year.
Today, we’re going to look at charitable giving. My first question for you is, “how much are you giving to benefit other people?” Got your answer ready? Good because that’s not enough. Not even close. You are much more capable than you realize and give yourself credit for, and no, I am not suggesting you make major personal sacrifices and life-changing decisions n order to get there. In fact, it’s easier than you think.
There is no question that there is a cost of an investment of your time, and your time is the most precious commodity you have. So, when I say that you can do much more, I recognize that it is somewhat of a big ask because most of the people I know and who read, listen, and interact with me are bust people. The last thing they need is more to do.
I also know from my experience both in the workplace and in various organizations that if you want to get things done, find someone who is busy. While these people don’t need more to do, they are seemingly always capable of doing more. Why? Simply stated, they are great organizers and great delegators. These are two of the qualities that I work diligently with my coaching clients on. Why? Because no one has enough time, but everyone has time to do the most important things.
Ok, so, back to charity and giving. Perhaps you are like many of my followers who have been blessed financially and can give a lot of money to organizations, non-profits, and ministries of your choosing. That’s wonderful; please continue to give – even more sacrificially. However, this week, I am not writing to encourage charitable giving but rather to give the resource even more valuable than your money. Again, I am challenging you to give of your time.
The good news is that you can make a significant difference with a relatively small investment of your time on a weekly or even monthly basis. I am willing to bet that whether you are currently supporting a charitable institution or not, there are hundreds of opportunities to get involved very near where you work or live. And what do these people need the most? People who can invest time. People who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. People with marketplace skills and worldly knowledge can benefit them tremendously – even if they only get an hour a week or a few hours a month.
Since I am assuming already that you are a leader, either in your business, your home, your community, or another organization, I’ve got an even better idea. Find something that you are passionate about doing and invite EVERYONE to participate! The only thing better than finding something you can do and giving your time to it is to do it with people you know and/or love. Some of the greatest experiences I have ever had in my family, business, and other organizations I’m involved with, have been working together on a project for an organization in need of help. With a small team of motivated individuals, you will be amazed at what an impact you can have in only a few short hours.
Without question, some innumerable people and organizations need our help. There is no greater act of service that any of us can do than to give of our time to help others who are less fortunate or in need of the assistance of someone else. The smiles and thank yous that you receive from the people you are helping will leave an impression on your soul.
This brings me to my conclusion. Yes, you are doing great things, and yes, you are benefitting people in need. I would challenge you to find something to do where you have no idea what the final impact of your efforts is. Why? Because then you will know that your motivation is purely selfless and that even if you impacted only one person.
And finally, yes, even if you only impact one person, your efforts will be automatically doubled. How? Because you will be a changed person. You will be motivated to do more – and you will. You will be motivated to find even more opportunities to serve, making you more efficient at managing your life. A benefit discovered only after you commit to reporting for duty!
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