RISE AND SHINE!

The paradox of personal growth by putting others first.

You are being interviewed live on national television. The host asks you, “Who do you consider your role model?” What would your response be? Is it someone you know personally, perhaps your father, your mother or maybe an admired friend? Or is it a historical character, such as Lincoln, Gandhi or Steve Jobs? The host follows up with the second question, “Why is this person your role model?” Your answer will more than likely include at least one of the following characteristics: kindness, courage, integrity, mentorship, dedication, loyalty or inspiration. And, without a doubt, you would affirm that this person has made a positive impact on you and on the world. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be your role model, would they?

Now let’s see why that is the case. Lincoln didn’t become the greatest president in American history because that was his goal. Steve Jobs didn’t go down in history books as the person who transformed our daily lives because he wanted to become rich and famous. And Gandhi certainly didn’t strive to be remembered as one of the saintliest people of the 20th century. They all wrote their names in gold letters in human history because they sought to serve others and improve the world, which then became their legacy.

You may ask, “Great, but what do these examples have to do with me?” More than you think! The better answer to your question is the following bold question to you, “What motives are running your daily life?” Are you seeking personal gain, status, prestige, power, money and success for the sake of it? Are you concerned only with improving your own life without much thought about others? Hopefully, your answer is no. But if personal gain is indeed your first and main motive, I have to break some bad news to you. Chasing personal gain is like a dog chasing its tail. You can go round and round but never get anywhere meaningful. If your motives are purely selfish you may still make money, acquire status and prestige, feel like a winner in a race but you will never be truly happy, loved, respected and admired by others.

Thankfully, an alternative path has been created by the universe. It starts with a change in your driving motive. Switch the selfish motive to serving others with humility. The intention behind the action determines its outcome. With the switching of the motive there is a major shift of energy within. Instead of being a consumer of energy by constantly seeking gain, you become a source of energy by sharing it with others. And the divine paradox is, the more you willingly give the more you have to give. It never runs out. There is no other way to lasting success, happiness and peace. Napoleon Hill’s timeless quote is more than relevant here “It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.”

So, what action steps can you take starting today to initiate this paradigm shift?

• Internally change your motive. Let your new motto be “Whatever I do, I will do for the good of others, then myself”

• Practice giving, learn to become a giver. Start small. Tipping people in unexpected places is a great way to get into this habit.

• Actively look for opportunities to serve. Volunteer your time and efforts for helping others.

• Take on tasks where you don’t expect any rewards in return. Don’t confuse this with being taken advantage of. It’s a voluntary act and therefore no other person is able take advantage of your own will.

• Intentionally start sharing your knowledge with others to help them succeed.

• Do the right thing when nobody's looking and don’t do the wrong thing, even if no one ever finds out.

Be assured without any shadow of a doubt, that if you follow the above steps daily and habitually for several months your life will be transformed, and so will you. Here are some of the more specific benefits you can expect. But before, let it sink in that you do not intentionally seek these benefits. They just appear as a natural bi-product of your pure intentions and selfless actions.

• Reputation.

• Unprecedented personal growth.

• Heightened, but humble self-worth and self-esteem.

• Access to unlimited energy.

• Financial success.

• Balance.

• Happier, peaceful and more gratifying life.

Now, back to your live interview on national television. The host poses the last question, “What was the turning point in your life?” You think about it for a second, then something clicks inside your head. A gentle wide smile illuminates your face, you raise your head, look her in the eyes and calmly respond, “It was the day I resolved to stop chasing personal gain and to devote my life to the service of others.”

Let that day be today.