Learn to give before you take

In life, we often think about what we can gain, but true success and fulfillment come from giving first. When you give before you take, you cultivate relationships, build trust, and set the stage for receiving far more in return. Let’s dive into why learning to give before you take is a fundamental principle that can transform your personal and professional life.

Learning to give before you take is more than just a nice idea it's a principle deeply rooted in human psychology and ethics. It means that before expecting to receive anything, whether in relationships, business, or personal pursuits, you should first offer something of value. This concept is closely related to reciprocity, a social norm where people feel obligated to return a favor when someone has given them something.

According to Wikipedia, reciprocity is a significant driver in social interactions and underpins many human exchanges. When you give freely and without the immediate expectation of return, you often receive more than you anticipated whether it's respect, goodwill, or material rewards.

Now, let’s break down the key axes of this idea and explore why it's so important in various aspects of life.

The Give-and-Take Dynamic Explained

Understanding the balance between giving and taking is crucial to building strong, healthy relationships and communities. When you focus too much on taking, relationships become one-sided, and resentment can build. But when you give, you open doors to deeper connections, mutual respect, and long-term gains.

1. What Does It Mean to "Give"?

At its core, giving means offering something whether it’s your time, knowledge, resources, or support without expecting anything in return. It’s an act of generosity that comes from a place of abundance. Giving is about selflessness, but paradoxically, it’s also one of the best ways to invite abundance into your life.

Think of it this way: when you plant seeds, you don’t immediately get fruits. You nurture the seeds, water them, and give them time. Eventually, you’ll reap the rewards. The same principle applies to giving.

Practical Exercise:

Identify three areas in your life where you can give more. Is it at work, with your family, or in your community? Start with small, consistent acts of kindness and notice how it changes your environment.

2. What Does It Mean to "Take"?

Taking, in this context, refers to receiving something whether it's help, resources, or emotional support. While taking itself isn’t inherently bad, problems arise when you prioritize taking over giving. When you focus on taking without giving, relationships become transactional and can break down.

Healthy relationships whether personal or professional require a balance between giving and taking. Both parties should feel valued, supported, and recognized.

Practical Exercise:

Reflect on recent interactions in your life. Have you been taking more than giving in any area? If so, think about how you can restore balance by offering value to the other person or situation.

Why Should We Learn to Give Before We Take?

Giving before taking isn't just a moral or ethical choice it's practical. Here’s why:

• Building Trust:

• When you give first, you show others that you care about their well-being and success. This builds trust, which is the foundation of any strong relationship.

• Creating Value:

• By giving, you provide value to others. Whether it’s offering your expertise or lending a helping hand, you make the world around you a better place.

• Attracting Opportunities:

• Ever notice how people who are always helping others tend to have more opportunities? That's no coincidence. When you give freely, people are more likely to think of you when opportunities arise.

• Emotional Fulfillment:

• Giving is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. It’s deeply rewarding to know that you’ve made a positive impact on someone else’s life.

What Happens If I Take Before I Give?

If you prioritize taking over giving, a few negative consequences can arise:

• Strained Relationships:

• Constantly taking without giving back can lead to strained or even broken relationships. Others may start to feel taken advantage of.

• Missed Opportunities:

• When you’re always focused on taking, people may view you as self-centered or opportunistic. This can lead to fewer opportunities in the long run.

• Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Losses:

• Taking might provide short-term benefits, but without the foundation of giving, those benefits are unlikely to be sustainable.

Practical Exercises to Apply These Principles

• The Gratitude Journal:

• Every day, write down three things you’ve given whether it’s time, help, or kindness. This will help you focus on your contributions and encourage more acts of giving.

• Random Acts of Kindness:

• Practice giving without any expectation of return. Pay for someone’s coffee, help a colleague without them asking, or send a thoughtful note to a friend. Notice how these small acts make you feel and how they shift your mindset.

• Offer Your Expertise:

• Whether at work or in your community, offer your knowledge or skills without asking for anything in return. This builds trust and can open doors to future opportunities.

5 Quotes on Giving and Taking

1. "The more you give, the more you receive." – This highlights the reciprocity of giving, where the act itself invites abundance into your life.
2. "Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference." – True giving impacts others positively.
3. "You can’t pour from an empty cup." – This serves as a reminder that while giving is crucial, self-care is equally important.
4. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – By giving selflessly, you discover more about who you truly are.
5. "Give without remembering. Take without forgetting." – This emphasizes the importance of giving selflessly and being grateful for what you receive.

Benefits of Learning to Give Before You Take

• Enhanced Relationships:

• Giving fosters deeper, more meaningful connections with others.

• Increased Happiness:

• Studies show that giving is closely linked to greater levels of happiness and satisfaction.

• Improved Reputation:

• People who give freely are seen as trustworthy and dependable, improving their personal and professional reputation.

• Attracts Good Karma:

• Many believe that what you give comes back to you, often multiplied.

• Better Emotional Health:

• Giving helps reduce feelings of loneliness and boosts your overall emotional well-being.

5 Real-Life Examples of Giving Before Taking

• In Business:

• A company offers free resources, like tutorials or webinars, before asking for a purchase. This builds trust with potential customers and demonstrates value.

• In Relationships:

• A friend who consistently supports others without expecting anything in return will often find that support comes back when they need it most.

• In Communities:

• Volunteers who give their time to improve their community often build strong, supportive networks.

• In Leadership:

• A good leader gives time and mentorship to their team, which in turn results in a more loyal and motivated workforce.

• In Networking:

• People who freely share connections or opportunities with others tend to receive more referrals and opportunities in return.

Conclusion:

Learning to give before you take is one of the most transformative principles you can apply in life. By focusing on how you can serve others, you create a foundation of trust, respect, and opportunity that can lead to long-term success and fulfillment.

So, what will you give today?