Dare To Live Without Limits Week Of 3/14/2022

You can help yourself by helping others

You can get anything you want in life by helping enough other people get what they want. By helping others, you are helping yourself. The more you give out, the more you get back. This concept is effective in both work and personal situations.
For example, businesses that grow the most are those which provide their customers with quality products or services, along with exceptional customer service. Treating customers well creates a loyal customer base. Conversely, businesses which take advantage of their customers, usually have a limited time before going out of business.
In your personal life, helping others yields many benefits. You feel better. Those you help feel better. Everyone’s stress is reduced. Your actions encourage kindness to be passed on by setting a good example. There are no negative side effects to helping others.
Another benefit is that one of the best ways to find solutions for your problems is by helping others find solutions for their problems. Helping someone causes you to use, or discover strategies which you may not have thought about for yourself.
The simplest way of finding out what someone needs is by asking, “Is there anything I can do to help?” Their answer doesn’t obligate you to do whatever is requested, but it gives you insight into what they consider helpful.
Spend time with those you care about. This personal interaction is precious and should be a priority. For those who live a distance from you, call frequently to say hello and see how they are doing. Don’t only call when you need something.
Sometimes a person needs a sympathetic ear to hear them out. Listening to someone’s issues can be very helpful. Being able to vent is an effective stress release. When listening, don’t be judgmental or critical. Don’t offer advice unless asked.
Be supportive and encouraging. Help others find the solutions they need. Avoid criticizing mistakes that were made. Show by example the power of being proactive, rather than acting like a victim.
Be patient with whoever is turning to you for help. Don’t put them down or belittle them. Everyone makes mistakes. Attempting to elevate yourself by putting others down is a self-destructive path. You build yourself up by helping others build themselves up.
Always be polite, courteous, and respectful. Treat people with dignity. Say please and thank you. Ask, don’t order. The manner in which you treat people makes a big difference in how they feel and how you feel. When you are nice to others, they will be nice to you.
Being nice to strangers is something you can do anytime. Help someone carry groceries to their car. Let someone who only has a few items go in front of you in the checkout line. Allow another driver to merge in front of you in traffic. Hold the door open when entering a building.
Be friendly and smile. Thank people who are nice to you. Ask someone how they are doing. Say, “Have a nice day,” after interacting with someone. Put away your cell phone when speaking in person.
Accept people for who they are. Don’t attempt to change someone. Only they can change themselves if they want to. Each individual has their own unique view of their world. If requested, help them find solutions that fit their outlook.
Treat others honestly and ethically. Stand up for what’s right. Speak out against injustices. Don’t look the other way when you see another person being mistreated. Standing idly by condones the offending behavior.
Helping others is one of the best ways of helping yourself. What you send out ultimately comes back to you. The more you give, the more you receive.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2022 Bryan Golden