Gaining Personal Happiness

“We are the ones who are uplifted when we try to sincerely uplift others.” 

Perhaps the best way to find success and true satisfaction in life is to devote it to others.  A simple truth I have learned over the years is that when we sincerely try to improve the lives of others, our life is improved.  This is a natural law of the universe that cannot be denied.  Sacrificing for others leads to a greater sense of joy and happiness in life. 

Now severing others and putting their wants and needs before our own is something that is very difficult.  For one, we are all naturally self-serving creatures.  We have an innate desire to help ourselves before others and seek out what we believe to be in our own best interest first.  Overcoming this natural inclination is very hard and takes discipline and self-control.  On top of that, we live in a society and culture that encourages us to become self-absorbed and to put ME before everyone and everything else.  These messages that surround us every day make it that much more challenging to do what really will help us most in our life which is serving others.  Finally, we have a large pile of good excuses why we cannot help others.  On the top of my personal list is “time” and perhaps it is at the top of yours too.  We fill our schedules with so many “self-serving” activities that we cannot possibly find time to help others.  Filling our days to the point where we are unable to help others results in dissatisfaction in life.  If we can overcome all of this, we will be the ones who are served when we strive to serve others.       

Now I realize this is not a common or popular approach that is commonly discussed on how to improve our lives and find success.  But just because it is not the most popular or widely talked about strategy does not mean it is not true.  In fact, I encourage you to give it a try so that you can see the results for yourself.  Really, please do not take my word for it.  There is no other way to know if it will help you or not until you really try it. 

Truly seeking to bless the lives of others will separate us from the crowd.   Leaders who serve those they lead are much more successful and satisfied in their leadership roles and are able to generate the respect, admiration, and support needed to successfully lead.  As we sacrifice for others, as we put them first, our personal satisfaction and success in our own lives will grow significantly.