Can Generosity Be The Key To 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. 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.

I believe 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. 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.

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.

Many good business connections can be made as you work for a cause that you firmly believe in. 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 The Author: Dan Thurmon is an author of two books (most recently, Off Balance On Purpose – Embrace Uncertainty and Create a Life You Love) and one of America’s most inspiring and entertaining motivational speakers. He has delivered thousands of speeches and seminars and has appeared on national television, including The Late Show with David Letterman.