Not everyone has the willingness to give. Yes, I meet poor people who are generous givers. When you meet a generous giver, you know that you are also meeting a grateful person. Because the giver is always grateful.
Enrich someone’s life and you will realize that you were never poor. The mere act of giving brings us to right thinking. You have the power to give. And you recognized that you have received.
What peso value equivalent would the joy of giving be? All of us are rich kids who live like fools and act like poor ones. The power to give does not come simply from positive thinking but from faith that we have the power to give.
Imagine the number of people who can benefit from your talents and skills.
- Can you teach in day care centers? We need more people who can teach the young.
- Can you teach in Sunday school? Since you already go to church every Sunday, you can extend more hours.
- Can you volunteer for Gawad Kalinga, Red Cross, or other organizations that make a difference in the world today? Search them online and you’ll realize that they are looking for a competent professional like you.
- Can you give a smile?
- Can you praise someone today?
- Can you give a listening ear to someone?
There are so many things you can do today because, like me, you also have the power to give.
Why gratitude makes us givers.
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can lead to a wide range of positive behavioral and psychological effects. One of these effects is the inclination to become more giving and generous towards others.
Here’s how gratitude turns us into a giver:
The Reciprocity Principle
Human beings naturally feel an inclination to reciprocate when they receive something. When we feel gratitude, it’s often because we recognize that we have been the beneficiary of another’s kindness or effort.
We want to give back in some way, even if not directly to the person who helped us.
Increased Empathy
Feeling grateful can make us more attuned to the needs and feelings of others. When we acknowledge our own blessings, it becomes easier to notice when others might be in need.
This sense of empathy can drive us to give and help.
Enhanced Well-being
Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can increase personal well-being and happiness. When we feel good, we’re often more inclined to spread that positivity to others.
Sharing our own blessings becomes a natural extension of our elevated mood.
Stronger Social Bonds
Gratitude can strengthen our social connections. When we appreciate the people around us and the positive roles they play in our lives, we want to foster those relationships. One way to do this is by giving back, and showing them that their gestures have meaning and impact.
Shift in Perspective
Gratitude can shift our perspective from a scarcity mindset (“I don’t have enough”) to an abundance mindset (“I have so much to be thankful for”). When we feel that we have plenty, we’re more likely to share with others.
Modeling Behavior
Often, the gratitude we feel is because someone else was generous to us. This act of kindness serves as a model. Just as their giving inspires gratitude in us, our giving can inspire gratitude in others, creating a cycle of generosity.
Reduced Materialism
Gratitude can help reduce our emphasis on material possessions and refocus on the intangible, meaningful aspects of life. When we’re less focused on acquiring things for ourselves, we’re more inclined to help others.
Creates a Sense of Purpose
Giving back as a result of gratitude can give individuals a renewed sense of purpose in their lives. This can range from small acts of kindness to larger charitable efforts.
Shared Joy
When we give, not only does the recipient benefit, but we also experience the joy of making someone else’s day better. This shared joy can be addicting, and the more gratitude we feel, the more we want to experience that joy.
Gratitude acts as a bridge, connecting our own personal experiences with the wider community. It reminds us that we are all interconnected and that by giving, we not only enrich the lives of others but also our own.
Grateful Workplace
A grateful workplace is a good place to work. I met people who told me that their workplace “cured” them of stress and anxiety. That though they have too many things to do, they love working with people who are givers, people who are happy and always willing to support them.
Here are some of the benefits of having a grateful workplace.
improved Morale
The atmosphere and overall morale play a pivotal role in employee satisfaction. When employees actively express appreciation and make it a point to recognize the efforts of their peers, it naturally fosters an environment brimming with positivity.
This atmosphere, in turn, can be a significant driver of increased job satisfaction.
An environment where appreciation is palpable tends to have employees who look forward to contributing and being part of the collective effort.
Increased Productivity
There’s a strong correlation between feeling appreciated and individual motivation. Employees who consistently feel valued and acknowledged for their work are often more motivated to exceed expectations.
Their inherent drive, fueled by gratitude and appreciation, often translates to heightened levels of productivity.
A little gratitude can lead to a lot more output.
Stronger Team Cohesion
The power of gratitude extends beyond individual accomplishments. It has the capability to weave strong threads of camaraderie and unity among team members.
Grateful employees often embody a collaborative spirit, readily offering support and assistance to their colleagues.
This mutual display of appreciation and assistance results in teams that are more cohesive, synchronized, and harmonious.
Reduced Turnover
Organizational continuity and growth are often threatened by high turnover rates. Employees constantly on the move can be a sign of underlying dissatisfaction.
However, when an employee feels genuinely appreciated and encounters gratitude frequently in the workplace, they’re less inclined to seek alternatives.
Such organizations become places where professionals don’t just work but also grow and thrive.
Enhanced Employee Well-being
The psychological benefits of gratitude are well-documented.
Employees who routinely experience and express gratitude are often found to be less stressed and more content with their roles. This emotional stability and contentment not only translate into better mental health but also reflect in physical well-being, leading to fewer absences and more consistent performances.
Better Customer Relations
A sense of gratitude and appreciation, while internal to an organization, often has external manifestations.
Employees buoyed by appreciation tend to extend their positivity to their interactions with customers. As a result, customers experience more pleasant interactions, fostering increased loyalty, and generating positive feedback and referrals.
Improved Manager-Employee Relationships
The bond between managers and their teams is pivotal for organizational success. Managers who aren’t shy about expressing their gratitude foster an environment of mutual respect.
Such environments make leadership smoother, as teams are more receptive to managers who they believe value their contributions.
Promotes Positive Behaviors
Recognition and appreciation serve as powerful reinforcers. When employees are frequently recognized for specific behaviors and contributions, those behaviors tend to be repeated.
In essence, a culture of gratitude can shape and mold the ideal behaviors an organization wishes to promote, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of positivity and productivity.
Enhanced Communication
Open and effective communication is the lifeblood of any thriving organization. Gratitude, by its very nature, necessitates the expression of appreciation.
As employees become more accustomed to expressing gratitude, the channels of communication become more open, fostering better collaboration and quicker resolution of potential issues.
Resilience in Tough Times
Every organization faces challenges. Yet, those with a strong culture of gratitude often possess an innate resilience.
Grateful employees tend to have the ability to focus on positives even amidst adversity.
Their capacity to remain hopeful and find silver linings can be a beacon of strength during organizational changes or downturns.
Attracts Talent
A company’s reputation often precedes it. Organizations known for their culture of gratitude and appreciation tend to attract top-tier talent.
These companies are seen as desirable places to work, where one’s contributions are valued and recognized. This reputation becomes a magnet for professionals seeking fulfilling work environments.
Encourages Professional Growth
Gratitude has an uncanny ability to spotlight strengths and potential. In an appreciative environment, employees’ unique skills and contributions are often highlighted.
This recognition not only serves as validation but can also pave the way for mentorship opportunities, further training, and avenues for professional growth.
