Being a mentor in high school, college, and now as a professional, I can honestly say that there’s no greater way to make an impact than by taking what someone has given you to help another.
Now, granted the people who I have helped do not always have the same reaction as the girl in the picture above. But their grateful reaction is enough for me to see how powerful making a difference can be. And it is this reaction that has heightened my appreciation for making a difference.
Personally, the generosity that I received from various mentors who have helped me along my journey really made me gravitate towards wanting to help younger generation. I have come to understand that there is true power in paying it forward. Like the saying goes, what goes around, always comes back around.
The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose
And on top of that, I have come to realize that by giving, you actually receive more in return. This concept explains why Bill Gates continues to be so wealthy: He’s always giving back. 🙂 This is concept is also explained in one of my favorite books, The Generosity Paradox: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose. Within its pages, its authors Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson detail how they were able to study and conclude that there is a consistent link between being generous and leading a more meaningful life.
In an article for Fast Company, they emphasize this link further, revealing: “First, the more generous Americans are, the more happiness, health, and purpose in life they enjoy…Second, we have excellent reason to believe that generous practices actually cause enhanced personal well-being…Third, the way Americans talk about generosity confirms and illustrates the first two points.” Hint, hint: Be generous because it will make you feel better in all ways, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Now, I’m not trying to get all scientific. However, I am trying to encourage you and others to pay it forward.
Unfortunately, I have witnessed people throughout my career who have been back stabbers or who don’t want to help other people when they they have the ability to do so. It’s really insane to me, because not only are they limiting that person, but they are also limiting their own future promotions or moments of need. The person who they refuse to help could one day become their boss or be able to help them in some way.
Paying it forward is not only the right thing to do, but it can also help enlarge your network and create endless ripple effects that can move forward throughout history. You never know how your small action can change someone’s life. So take it from me, there is endless power in paying it forward. Whenever you find yourself trying to decide if you should help another person, just think about how you would want someone to treat you, if you were in that same situation.
Always pay it forward, keep the ripple effects going.
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