There are givers, and there are takers. And then some of us are in the middle.
Take a second and tell yourself (out loud) if you’re a giver or a taker.
For a long time, I never thought twice about asking someone for a small favor or a bit of advice. I never took advantage of anyone, but I just wasn’t aware of how much some people were doing for me. I probably took as much as I gave.
When I got into personal development almost two years ago, one of the most challenging components was dedicating myself to becoming more self-aware. Aware of what I say, what I do, what I do for others and what others do for me.
I’ve listened to hundreds of podcasts/interviews and read dozens of books, and many of them carry a common theme-the importance of providing value to others.
As a self-employed person, I was always hesitant to give away free content (provide value for free). After all, my knowledge, experience and skills are what makes me unique and marketable. But it didn’t take long to realize the importance of being a giver. Think about it, when you come across a nice person who adds some sort of value to your life, you only want to be around that person more. It’s a win for everyone involved.
In a recent episode of The Art of Charm podcast, host Jordan Harbinger stated, “knowing there is reciprocity in all human relationships that are beneficial is one thing. Thinking “and then he’ll publish my book” (or some other favor) is transactional.
In other words, be nice because being nice is nice.
How can you add value to someone else?
- Connect 2 people in business who you think could create well together (and don’t ask for anything in return)
- Buy for the person behind you next time you are at Sheetz (or some other less cool store)
- Offer your services for free to an event or donate to charity
- Offer to watch your friends kids for the night so the parents can have a date night
- It’s Christmas time, get creative!
Let me know how you are providing value to others. Maybe I’ll use one of your techniques!
Spaniard
About the author : cbrenneman
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Latest videos
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
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