Succeeding is Giving a Little More Than You Take

Are you a giver or a taker? Did you know that succeeding is giving a little more than you take?

How many of us know someone who always is a taker instead of a giver? We even recognize this same tendency in ourselves, if not all the time, at least some of the time.

“Success is feeling satisfaction in giving a little more than you take.” – Christopher Reeve.

Succeeding: Giving a Little More Than You Take

A curious thing happens when you are so focused on your wants and needs: You often begin to act selfishly, thoughtlessly, and repeatedly.

This may further your ends, but does it do you any good overall? Are you experiencing any true and lasting satisfaction? Do you consider your actions a success?

·       Or is there something else going on here that you can learn a valuable lesson from?

Far from being a harsh critique of the behavior we all engage in on occasion, this is more of a reminder that everyone can profit by trying to give to others just a tiny bit more than they take.

How to Give More Than You Take

It isn’t all that hard to do. It just requires a willingness and a commitment to do so. Then, of course, you must follow through on the intention and give a little more than you take.

You can start with something simple:

·       Take less of a portion of food on your plate.

·       Give a little more to someone else at the table.

·       Or, instead of scooping up the last of the mashed potatoes on the buffet table, leave some for the next person.

·       How about not snapping up all the sale items when others are also trying to purchase one?

·       Do you need 10 new video games, or can you make do with a few less?

Get a Little More Involved

Once you get in the habit of giving a little more than you take, apply this behavior to more complex situations.

Office interactions can sometimes become complicated – especially among those competing for a promotion or plum assignment. Other times, it may be tempting to avoid offering help to a struggling co-worker when you could easily give tips.

·        Take the high road and give advice based on your experience or expertise.

·        Far from being a threat, it is likely that your co-workers will reciprocate when they can.

Return on Investment

As for what you get in return, that’s often immeasurable. How can you measure your satisfaction when you give more than you take? It feels good, like a warm and comfortable glow.

Whatever might have bothered you before – the traffic, weather, not having eaten lunch, your boss coming down on you for something – seems less a bother and more of an inconvenience, nothing to exercise about.

Besides, seeing the smile of thanks on the person who’s the recipient of your giving is worth whatever little sacrifice you made.

Succeeding Is…

This is a good definition of succeeding: feeling satisfaction in giving a little more than you take.

The best part is that once others see you do this, they’ll likely emulate your behavior. It’s a small example of paying it forward.

Everyone wins.

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