What Can You Do

Our culture today is seems to be one of taking, not giving. When we don’t get what we want we are quick to complain and demand. We look to our governments for answers and for help. We even go to the extreme of protesting when we believe that we are owed something.

“Me” Attitude
Unfortunately there is an increasing number of people that demonstrate the attitude of “what is there for me” in our society. I am not saying that we shouldn’t look to our government for help, after all the people pay taxes and elect people in positions to make their country a better place to live. But, there has to be a balance. Our expectations have to be realistic.

J. F. K. Quote
I often am reminded of John F. Kennedy’s words when he said,“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

The philosophy in John F. Kennedy’s quote can be used in all areas of your life.

Your Personal Life
In your personal life, rather than expecting people to do something for you, ask yourself what can you do for them. You will find doing for others often comes back to you sometimes in unexpected ways. In our close relationships, this can also be applied. Sometimes, the people we are closest to end up being the people that we take for granted and we have high expectations. Rather than expecting the people who are close to you to do for you, always be asking yourself the question what can I do for them. When doing this expect nothing in return. Sometimes, as human beings, this is the hardest thing to do. Our attitudes sometimes reflect an “if I do for you, what will you do for me.” If you have that attitude you will defeat the purpose. Do without expecting anything.

Your Professional Life
In your professional life, rather than expecting your employer to do something for you, ask yourself what you can do for your employer. What can you do to make the company you work for a better company, both profitability and a better environment. Imagine what it would be like to work in a company where people are constantly looking for ways to improve the company and where the environment is one where encouragement and support is given to each other. Imagine how successful that company would be. You may be thinking that is crazy, why would I make the company I work for rich? The most simpliest of answers is, you will have a job. If a company is not successful, then they have to lay off people. So, just the fact that you have a job should inspire you to help that company. But, truthfully you will also be helping yourself. Rather than people complaining and grumbling you would find people looking for solutions and ideas to improve. When we give of ourselves, not expecting anything in return, it is amazing to see what happens. People who have this type of attitude usually end up being promoted and recognized.

Double Your Success
You will double your success in all areas of life by asking yourself what you can do for others. There is an old saying that summarizes this thought, “What you give you get.” And we don’t give to get, we give because it is a way of living. As Charles C. Malone once said, “Many people choose to be generous towards others and empower them as opportunities arise. That becomes a mantra for them, a way of life, a philosophy and a doctrine, a life companion and a collection of self-regulating instincts that become etched on their subconscious mind.”

We often think about changing the world, but because that task is overwhelming and not humanly possible for one person, we do nothing. But if we just helped one person, and then the next person, and then the next person, we could change the world. And, each person we help, helps one person and they help one person – imagine the results. You see to change a world it starts with one person – and that one person starts with you.

I truly believe that when you do something good, it comes back to you in many positive ways! Giving always outweighs receiving, always! The Chinese Proverb that says it all: “If you want happiness for an hour – take a nap. If you want happiness for a day – go fishing. If you want happiness for a month – get married. If you want happiness for a year – inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime – help others.”

Next time you feel yourself upset about something or someone, ask yourself what can I do for/about, rather than having an expectation for yourself. You will find you life changing and you will influence those around you in a positive way!

Think It Over
Author: Unknown

God made the sun – it gives.
God made the moon – it gives.
God made the stars – they give.
God made the air – it gives.
God made the clouds – they give.
God made the earth – it gives.
God made the sea – it gives.
God made the trees – they give.
God made the flowers – they give.
God made the fowls – they give.
God made the beasts – they give.
God made the plan – He gives.
God made man – he . . . .

Would You Rather Be?
Author: Rev. Herschel H. Hobbs

One of greed’s victims read the verse: “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” How revealing of his sordid, shriveled soul was his comment: “Well, perhaps so, but receiving is good enough for me.”

Is receiving good enough for you?

Would you rather be a beggar than a benefactor?
A panhandler than a philanthropist?
A blight than a blessing?
A parasite than a producer?
A getter than a giver?

Inspirational Quotes for Reflection:
“He stands erect by bending over the fallen. He rises by lifting others.” Robert G. Ingersoll

“Ive simply always rejected the whole zero-sum approach, the notion that anytime I give to someone – my time, money, love, whatever – I’ve lost something. Instead, my experience is that we always benefit from our giving, either now or in the future, and life is brimming with win-win propositions.”Kip Tindell

If you offer your free time to help out at a charity or to read to an older person or simply to give someone something without ever expecting a thank you, its amazing how much more you are able to notice the blessings which fill your life.” Josh Austin

“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.” Flora Edwards

“Some say that God helps those who help themselves. God also helps those who help others.”Walter B. Knight

“When you give a dollar or a dime or a small amount of time for a good cause, or when you help others in their chores, you send out the message that you believe there is more.” Zeeshan Raza”The more I help others to succeed, the more I succeed.” Ray Kroc

“We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobile rather than by the quality of our service and relationship to humanity.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Doing nothing for others is the undoing of one’s self. We must be purposely kind and generous, or we miss the best part of existence. The heart that goes out of itself, gets large and full of joy. This is the great secret of the inner life. We do ourselves the most good doing something for others.”Horace Mann

“Look up and not down. Look forward and not back. Look out and not in, and lend a hand.” Edward Everett Hale