Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash

“The best version of me in the future is always one who is giving. When I have much more money to spare, I intend to start sharing. The future version of myself is fantastic. When we  have a lot of money, we will be teaching ourselves to be generous.”

Many of us think this way. Perhaps you even have a similar life goal. Nobody wishes to be perceived as frugal or tight-fisted. Everyone aspires to generosity—or, at the very least, to be giving. We could follow a practical guide to altruism and making a difference where we are able to help others despite not being rich at the moment. However, the truth is that unless you start taking deliberate actions toward generosity, you will never develop into the giving person you aspire to be even if you will one day come into a lot of money.

The Misconception of Generosity

Being generous does not imply that you are incapable of saying “no” to people.  Additionally, this does not preclude you from requesting money for your services if you provide an assisting service as part of your job.  Consider how you feel about requesting payment and charging fairly for the assistance you are providing if you are constantly inundated with requests for free assistance.  There is a serious problem you need to resolve if you are unable to ask for money or if you are hesitant, embarrassed, or unsure about when and how to do so.

What can I do to help here? Then, follow your instincts and emotions. If you are merely unable to provide any aid, try your best to direct them on a helpful path. When teaching ourselves to be generous, it is necessary to remember that generosity is not about monetary help alone. There are a variety of excellent free and inexpensive programs, resources, and support is a great way to assist.

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

One excellent way to encourage them is to point them toward another excellent resource or person who may have the required resources. Address the misconception of generosity by remembering that generosity is demonstrated when one person opens a door for another. Getting help doesn’t have to take endless hours and wear you out.

Ways on Teaching Ourselves To Be Generous

Focus on Something Small At First

Teaching ourselves to be generous is not about aiming for grand gestures but instead being generous in small ways to everyone you meet. For example, a charity focusing on baby supplies for low-income mothers enables people to make small donations for baby essentials that make an enormous difference for struggling families. This allows you to use what little resources you may have to make a lasting impact.

This means that generosity while starting in small ways is possible. We should try to be generous in everyday life. A smile, buying a coffee for a homeless person on the street, chatting with a stranger on a train or a bus—all can bring joy to someone else and, more often than not, cost nothing but a little bit of time.

Participate in Outreach Activities

The idea of simply showing up as an act of kindness can sound a little odd. However, there are instances when helping someone in need is the most important and beneficial thing you can do for others and yourself when teaching ourselves to be generous.

Showing up is one of the most giving things that any and every one of us can do. Take a seat. Be present in a straightforward, open space. For example, when you use your time to help out an old lady living alone, it helps you realize that having someone present to you is a luxury when you are alone all day.

Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash

Research Where You’re Donating To

Though it should not be an act of mindless naïveté, generosity is an act of trust.  When teaching ourselves to be generous, we should ensure that the organization has appropriate systems of accountability and wisdom before contributing to it, whether it is our church or a philanthropic cause.

Are there accountability systems in place to protect the funds?  Is the company open and honest about its financial situation?  Does the organization make prudent financial decisions and use funds for the intended purpose?

All of these are valid questions that we ought to pose. Since we have limited resources, we want our donations to truly make an impact, not to pass judgment. Generous people care about forming partnerships with other people who share their honesty.

Final Thoughts

Giving not only makes us feel better, but it also creates the conditions for us to be respected, valued, and grateful for the work we accomplish. We must let go of the bitterness and battle if we desire more tremendous success and happiness. You will reject the positive and the negative if you are upset and bitter about others asking help you.

Life improves if we make the intentional decision to become ore generous. This, in turn, energizes us to be more helpful in ways that feed and energize us throughout the process. Would you like a practical guide to help you give wisely? Grab a copy of Giving Is Not Just For The Very Rich: A How-to Guide for Giving and Philanthropy.