Can Generosity Be The Key To Your Success?
As the years-long relief effort for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti kicks into gear - and the enormity of the damage becomes apparent - many people are finding themselves in the midst of philanthropic efforts amid their own crises in a down economy. What they may find as they begin raising funds or committing time to helping others is that their contributions to causes help provide perspective and value for their professional endeavors and life pursuits.
"This has always been a generous nation, but the unprecedented response to the tragedy in Haiti, I believe, points toward our growing need to be part of a larger, more purposeful cause and live a life that truly matters," said Dan Thurmon, author of Off Balance On Purpose - Embrace Uncertainty and Create a Life You Love (www.offbalanceonpurpose.com). "Volunteerism, activism and philanthropy are on the rise. The bottom line - people need to feel connected to a sense of purpose. Success is no longer simply about making money. It is about making a difference and being part of a larger idea. We hunger for experiences and 'missions' that validate our principles and personal beliefs.
All generations and demographics are responding in a powerful and positive way to the relief effort in Haiti, and they are also investing themselves in other meaningful causes. By committing ourselves to helping others, we reap the intrinsic rewards of philanthropy - a feeling of purpose and fulfillment that can spur us on to improving our own strategies for living. Sometimes helping others solve their critical problems can help fuel our thought processes on how we can solve our own."
Thurmon believes that everyone should give time to causes they care about, and for entrepreneurs and business people, it can make good sense both personally and professionally.
"Giving of ourselves adds to our ongoing development as engaged, thoughtful, fulfilled people. As we grow, we inherently gain qualities that aid us in our own success," Thurmon said. "I believe that when you do good deeds for the right reasons you not only improve your world, but also your professional standing, your integrity, and your network of advocates and supporters."
In many cases, working to solve the problems of others in a philanthropic setting may serve to generate ideas on how to solve your business problems, as well, Thurmon added.
"Sometimes we are too close to our own issues to see simple solutions for ourselves, but we seem to be more capable of helping others work through their obstacles. That process not only reinforces our own skills, but it also helps foster food for thought when we head back to our own lives and encounter similar dilemmas."
Thurmon believes that involvement in philanthropy is also a great equalizer for executives and entrepreneurs because it puts them on the same level as other executives from successful firms.
"Many good business connections can be made as you work for a cause that you firmly believe in," Thurmon said. "As busy professionals bond and learn to trust one another while working on common causes, it becomes a natural evolution to continue the connection with their business concerns.
About Dan Thurmon
Dan Thurmon is an author of two books and one of America's most inspiring and entertaining motivational speakers. He currently travels the United States and abroad, speaking before corporations, associations, and educational institutions. Dan has delivered thousands of speeches and seminars and has worked with some of America's top organizations in the past fifteen years. Dan has appeared on national television, including The Late Show with David Letterman. Additionally, he has traveled to the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan to bring entertainment and encouragement to US Armed Forces.
