It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is almost upon us. With those celebrations often comes thoughts of giving to others. As the year comes to an end, many of us quickly think of the first organization that comes to mind and make a hasty online donation and move on to the next thing on our lists. But, this approach makes generosity feel like an obligation and relegates worthy causes, which need ongoing support, to year-end-after thoughts.
What if everyone changed their mindset around generosity? What if generosity became something that wasn’t counted in dollar signs but measured in impact? How would the world change if everyone was genuinely inspired to give?
What if everyone changed their mindset around generosity? What if generosity became something that wasn’t counted in dollar signs but measured in impact? How would the world change if everyone was genuinely inspired to give?
Giving and being generous can and should be a joyful exercise and a fulfilling experience. And, just like all things that matter in life, it should be planned for. This is called intentional generosity. In this way, generosity moves from being a transaction to a purposeful action that positively impacts both the giver and the recipient.
How do you practice intentional generosity?
Understand you can be generous in several ways: Money is not the only resource that you have to donate. Your wealth consists of more than what’s in your portfolio, including tangibles and intangibles. And, these are all resources to consider in your intentional generosity efforts: your time (volunteering), your knowledge (mentoring), your network (opportunity sharing), your home (shelter), your car (free rides), your clothes (school outfits, interview suits), the list goes on. Often, when you’re giving something beyond money, the generosity feels that much more personal.
Start with those closest to you: Large organizations are not the only type of causes with which you can share your resources. Intentional generosity can start with those around you. For example, you can offer a friend, who doesn’t have a car, a ride to and from work. Or, cook a meal for a neighbor who is sick. Again, this type of intentional generosity allows you to truly feel the 1:1 connection of your impact.
Identify what breaks your heart: Everyone’s passion points are different. For some people, it’s animals. For others, it’s childhood education. The cause that keeps you up at night is the one that you will want to pour yourself into all year long.
Intentional generosity doesn’t mean you can’t respond to random acts of kindness or give end-of-year checks to worthy organizations. It simply means being thoughtful and purposeful in how you give, what you give, when you give and who you give to. When you are intentional about being generous, you can transform not only the lives of those you support but also your own.
