In this cheerful holiday season, it is customary to have a spirit of giving. It is a time when we see reminders of shopping for others through TV, print, and online ads. We see and hear the sturdy Salvation Army bell ringer standing outside the retails stores reminding us to give to the less fortunate. We take time to make lists, check them twice, and think of how best to serve the ones we love with presents and goodies.
This is the time of the year when people are reminded to have an abundance attitude. We are reminded that it is better to give than to receive.
If you truly understand this, then you know that having an abundance attitude is really what makes YOU happy. If you have ever really suffered a little bit to make sure that you were providing something of value to someone else with a true “givers” mentality, then you know the pure joy in it. You have an indescribable sense of peace and achievement that you can get nowhere else.
On the other hand, many do not know this feeling or sense of purpose at all. They hear this happy-clappy stuff, but cannot really relate. I certainly understand this point of view. It is very easy to go through life hanging on to what you have and keeping a tight fist around your belongings. After all, everyone is after your stuff and if you do not control it, it will slip through your fingers and end up elsewhere. Heck, look at your 401k that you trusted to someone else…
With a tight-fisted approach to life, one experiences the opposite of an abundance attitude. It is part of a scarcity mindset.
What is true in economics is not true with human beings. In economic terms, scarcity brings value. You know… the law of supply and demand. A clinched-fist-scarcity-mindset makes sense with things and stuff. This principle works only for one reason: natural “things” are finite.
With human potential and with people in your community, your business, and in your life, it is abundance that brings value. People are made to have an infinite spirit. So, opening up your hands and allowing gifts, tricks-of-the-trade, helpfulness, time, your attention, and even your money to serve others is the most valuable thing you can do.
So, be genuine and helpful to others. Show up as an authentic giver. And then ask them to pass it on to another. When people pass on a kind gesture to another (that is not you), it keeps the abundance loop open. When someone does this to you, pass it on with no expectation of receiving anything back. After all, settling that account closes the abundance loop.
Oh, and this principle works well in March, July, and October, too!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
I’ve found that one of my greatest pleasured is to give in life. My friendships are really important and part of the importance is being able to share, support, listen, give, enjoy and value the relationships. I’ve also found the same in my business relationships. I meet a lot of sole traders now I am one myself but with my background and experience I often find I have knowledge and support I can give others. Yes, it takes up my time but just knowing it’s been of value to them is reward in itself. If we all help each other then it leads to far more positive and supportive relationships and that can only be good for business and for each others success.