Time to Give

“When we help someone climb a mountain, we are nearer to the top ourselves.”
Thomas Monson

One of the greatest secrets in life is the success and happiness that comes from helping others. Giving of our self unconditionally magically creates self-confidence, self-worth, and gratification. It also leads to greater success in life. Simply giving however is not the secret rather it is the way we give that matters.

Many of us give with the idea that we will get something in return. In fact, many give only because they expect something in return. Giving with “strings attached” can create ill feelings—feelings that are exactly opposite of what is normally produced when giving in the right way. Strings attached giving can lead to worry, fear, or anger. We may worry, what if I don’t get the return I expected or what if the clear benefit really doesn’t justify the amount I am giving. When we give with strings attached, we lose the chance to gain the wonderful blessing that come from giving. In fact giving with strings attached creates a lack mentality in our minds which usually leads to unnecessary stress.

On the other hand, when we give unconditionally we enjoy feelings of abundance. These feelings help us feel good about the world, they increase our belief in ourselves, and they make us want to give more. In fact, studies have proven that giving in the right way leads to greater success. I’ve found that giving unconditionally boosts confidence as well as a desire to succeed. It helps us to be optimistic, to feel satisfaction, and gives us a sense of making a “difference” in this world. Though somewhat counterintuitive giving of ourselves freely actually helps us have greater results. For when we give in the right way the good it produces in us always outweighs the sacrifice and effort it took to give.

So, are we giving and helping others? And if so is it with “strings attached” or unconditional? Learning to give in the right way will only help us in the end in achieving our goals and realizing the happiness we seek in life. That is why for us there should always be time to give. Because giving leads to success.