Christmas is officially one week away. As we experience the holiday season this year, take a moment to reflect on and plan ways you will give to others. Giving, rather than getting. This doesn’t have to be anything major and coordinated, and it doesn’t have to stop when the season is over. Just a thoughtful, intentional approach to give of yourself.

Giving is so much more powerful than getting. In a team atmosphere, giving is investing in the team and putting your teammates above yourself. This definitely changes your experience, and opens the door to a much deeper understanding of servant leadership and learning about yourself. (Applies to team on the court, team in the office, or “family team”)

Francis of Assisi said, “For it is in giving that we receive.” Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Let’s put this wisdom to use this holiday, and let it fill us with a consistent desire to give to causes outside of ourselves beyond this season. Giving doesn’t cost anything.

“You give, give, give. Why? Because you love to. It’s not a strategy, it’s a way of life.” From The Go-Giver

Happy Holidays!

Great books you can give this year:
Go-Giver
The Slight Edge / Success For Teens
Atomic Habits
Mindset
Shoe Dog
Daring Greatly

#getbetter

This is a reminder to recognize what you get to do in your life, and to attack it with the right mentality. We get busy, even overwhelmed, and our mentality shifts to create pressure and anxiety with all the things we have to do. The routine of doing many things in our lives becomes a chore, and it really shouldn’t.

We are blessed to have so many things in our lives that many people across the world do not. When we chose to be grateful for the little things, the routines, the tasks we must complete, then we are happier and more productive in doing them. Practice today to change your mindset from “have to” to “get to”.

Some people don’t have a job. You get to go to work.
Some people don’t get the chance to play for their school’s team. You get to go to practice.
Many people don’t have access to education, schools, and good teachers. You get to go to school and learn.
Many people don’t have enough food to eat. You get to prepare a meal for your family.

Everything we do, we are fortunate to have the opportunity. Cultivate this mindset! We will have moments when we see things as responsibilities weighing on us; be sure to self correct those thoughts, and be grateful you get to do those things.

“I was complaining that I had no shoes till I met a man who had no feet.” Confucius

Everything that happens to you, good or bad, is an opportunity to grow. This approach will change your perspective and allow you to become a better person through adversity and through success. This approach will change your reaction from complaining to being grateful and evaluative.

No matter what is placed before you, treat it as opportunity!

Tight deadline with an assignment? Opportunity to build resourcefulness and time management.
Had an argument with a friend that is tough to resolve? Opportunity to work on relationship skills, forgiveness, and humility.
Not getting something you think you deserve? Opportunity to practice perseverance and dedication without recognition.

If we keep in mind that everything that happens to us is an opportunity for growth, we continually become better versions of ourselves. Pursue this growth every day.

“Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
​#getbetter