| I was reading another chapter in one of my favorite | | | | to another's ease or happiness in a matter of minutes. |
| books, The Art Of Possibility. This is one of the best | | | | We don't always know the big or small ways we |
| books I've ever read on transforming your personal | | | | touch the lives of others. |
| and professional life. On page 55, the authors introduce | | | | In Keith Ferrazzi's best-selling book, Never Eat Alone, |
| the practice of, "being in contribution." | | | | he says, "I'll sum up the key to success in one word: |
| One of my clients says contribution is essential to | | | | generosity." |
| being who she is. She says, "Helping others is part of | | | | One of my dearest friends is a great inspiration. Each |
| my life purpose. I need to help at least one person in | | | | week she takes time out of her busy schedule to help |
| some way, every day." For many, being in contribution | | | | someone. It might be just to listen, give some advice, |
| to others is a core value. Many have defined the value | | | | be a mentor/guide, offer a mini training - it varies |
| of contribution as meaning, "being in service to others" | | | | according to the need. Helping others is one of her |
| because they want to make a difference in the world. | | | | themes for the year. Generously offering her time, |
| The intention of being in contribution can be expressed | | | | expertise, and wisdom is the way she shares her |
| by saying, "How can I help you? or "Is there anything I | | | | heart with others and allows her to fulfill one of her life |
| can do for you?" The practice of being in contribution | | | | purposes. |
| means generously offering your time, energy, | | | | In the last two weeks, I needed her professional |
| knowledge, contacts…. to help someone simply | | | | expertise to prepare for two important speaking |
| for the joy of it, without any agenda or attachment to | | | | presentations. She has repeatedly offered to help me |
| an outcome. Have you ever felt that joy? It's a | | | | hone my speaking skills and I finally decided to accept. |
| wonderful feeling, isn't it? | | | | Being the person people often come to for help, I don't |
| Let me expand on this for a minute. | | | | always ask for help when I need it. She really came |
| Have you ever done or said something that generated | | | | through for me. As a result of her guidance and |
| a spark of energy, ignited a passion or provided a | | | | coaching, both presentations went terrific. |
| needed kick in the pants for someone? Perhaps you | | | | To fully give you must also be able to receive the love |
| helped to lift their spirit, opened their mind to new ways | | | | and support from others. Be sure to allow others the |
| of thinking, offered hope, inspired them to action or | | | | opportunity to be in contribution to YOU! |
| challenged them to grow? You might have helped | | | | By showing up and being fully present with people - to |
| someone in just a few minutes of conversation. | | | | really hear them and respond from your heart is one |
| Are you familiar with the ideas of paying it forward | | | | of the most powerfull ways to build relationships and |
| (someone helps you and you help the next person in | | | | serve people. Being in service to others attracts |
| need) and random acts of kindness such as opening a | | | | abundance and flow into your life. |
| door for someone or yielding the right of way at on a | | | | Being in contribution to others is a deliberate decision. |
| busy street. There are so many ways we contribute | | | | |