Dare to live without limits Week of 9/21/20

The question to ask yourself: What do you do for others?

One way to assess a person’s character is by watching how they treat someone who can’t do anything for them. In life, you will go further, faster by helping other people get what they want. You get by giving.
Although this may seem antithetical, it is a time tested principle. All successful businesses operate based on this concept. Those businesses which satisfy their customers by providing them with exactly what they want flourish. Conversely, any business which takes advantage of their customers has limited longevity.
Utilize this principle and you too will experience success. This approach works in your job as well as in your personal life. Yet, far too many people take the opposite approach of seeking to do as much as they can for themselves.
There are numerous benefits which emanate when you do for others. You are connected to other people through your efforts. A special bond is created because of your selflessness. The relationship is often reciprocal, as the other person also does for you.
You’ll feel better about yourself as you brighten someone else’s day. Most people are pleasantly surprised by your unexpected act of kindness. Their improved mood makes it more likely that they will pay it forward by treating others in the same positive manner. Kindness passed on multiplies.
Treat people with courtesy, kindness, and consideration. Smile and be friendly. These simple acts, welcomed as a pleasant surprise, are effective outlook boosters. Using please and thank you, a smile, a wave or nod, sends an often needed positive message. They are an appreciated counterbalance to the many daily stressors everyone experiences.
Accept people for who they are by keeping an open mind. Never sit in judgment of others. If you do, you’ll be reluctant to be of service. Avoid looking for reasons to be offended. For those people who are malicious, break off contact because nothing will be gained by engaging them.
Being a good listener is something you can do for others. Being there for someone who needs to vent is a great caring gesture. Offering suggestions on how to solve problems you have overcome saves the other person lots of time and effort.
Offer assistance without having to be asked. There are many ways you can be of service which cost you nothing but are significant to another person. Hold doors open. Run errands for seniors. Help carry groceries to the car. Let someone with only a few groceries go ahead of you in the checkout line. Let another driver merge in front of you in traffic. When shopping or eating out, compliment good service.
Common courtesy should be a regular part of your behavior. Keep in touch with family. Call a friend to see how they are doing. Give compliments. Be patient. Put away your phone while having a conversation in person. Send thank you notes. Tell people you appreciate them.
Doing the unexpected, such as forgiving someone who has hurt you, is a wonderful gift. Saying I’m sorry when you are wrong, and even sometimes when you are right, goes a long way. Allowing a person to retain their dignity after they have made a mistake is important. This is why you criticize in private while praising in public.
The more you do for others, without expecting anything in return, the more your life is enriched. Your actions must be without any ulterior motives. Your motivation is simply to be a caring person by offering assistance whenever possible.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2020 Bryan Golden