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Do you understand the true power of having a giving mentality? Do you have the attitude of give first to receive later, or have you adopted the instant-gratification syndrome that leads many Americans into lives of stress? By giving value first, in all areas of life, you are setting yourself up for a much greater return on your investment in the future.
If you invest a great amount of time into exercise then you will be rewarded with a physically fit body. If you dedicate many hours to reading, then you will be blessed with greater knowledge. If you choose to give time to a charity, then you will be rewarded with the fulfillment of helping a fellow human in need. What area of life do you want to improve on? What value do you need to give a person, place or thing in order to receive value back?
You might be at a point in your life when you are looking for a way to breakthrough to a new level. Are you at a low point in your life in which you are looking for something to motivate you? Maybe you’re at a high point in your life and you’re looking to capitalize on the
momentum. Perhaps you aren’t sure which direction you are going, but you know that a major shift is needed. Which of the categories do you see yourself currently in?
Mary Mélon is no stranger to helping others through the art of giving first. Mélon is the President/CEO of the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools, a foundation that oversees the giving of time, resources and supplies which go towards helping nearly 43,000 kids in Oklahoma City that live in or near poverty. She stated that, “These kids are the future of Oklahoma City and the foundations’ mission is to take ownership in the success of every child.”
The economic development of the city depends on people giving resources in advance of the rewards. The development of your own needs is determined by how much you are willing to invest in order to see the returns later. Your investment in continued education, physical exercise, financial education, health related matters and anything else you desire will have a direct impact on your rewards.
Mélon said that over 3,000 kids in Oklahoma City are actually homeless and the problem is real. The solution is giving. The foundation has created a solution so that small businesses and individuals can invest in as small as a single classroom to help insure the teachers and students have as many of the necessary tools as possible. “Local businesses have a vested interest in the success of these kids. We need them to grow up to be great citizens and they need us. We need to give to each other,” stated Mélon.
The art of giving requires one trait that many people have forgotten or never learned. You must look for opportunities to give and then follow-through. Giving encompasses many forms, including starting a conversation, saying hello, doing a favor without expectations of anything in return, providing a service for free, giving your time in service to the benefit of something else, or even sending a simple text to let someone know you are thinking of them. Those are all common acts for a giver.
By giving first, you are sowing the seeds of
success, and these seeds will have the opportunity to be nurtured into magnificent forests of plentiful abundance. Another benefit of giving is that you naturally become associated with other givers that are looking for ways to help you. This is the process in which the cycle works. Where can you start giving more in your life? Who should you be giving more attention to?
Mary Mélon knows exactly where her giving attitude should be focused and plenty of ways exist for you to get involved. If you choose,
donorschoose.org is an awesome site where you can help support the future of Oklahoma City and you can also visit okckids.com.
Look for ways to give throughout your life, study the art of giving and you shall reap benefits far beyond your current expectations.
Jake Bollig is an author and researcher of personal development. Contact him with comments at jakebollig@gmail.com.
BY Jake Bollig
