Three Practical Ways to Add Generosity as a Character Quality

 

How do you respond to someone who gives you something or does something for you unexpectedly?

Ironically, generosity is rare but so simple. It’s an admirable character quality.

Character is who you really are not who you want or appear to be in your life.

And there are certain character qualities that we should aspire to develop or focus on in our lives.

Generosity is one of those qualities that is appreciated, endearing, and can be acquired over time if it’s not natural right now.

My wife and I are trying to teach our kids this character quality. We chose to create a clear and concise definition we could use to remind them of the meaning:

Make Someone’s Day by Giving Something Away

It’s easy to see selfishness in children. They embrace it with strong language:
MINE
But I don’t want to share

Yet they can also be incredibly generous. I have one son who is a natural giver. It’s just who he is at the core and an amazing, endearing character quality. Everyone loves when he gives. Imagine that.

But most of us have to work at it. We may never outwardly utter the embarrassing words: MINE or I don’t want to share. Yet we think it and often times will justify not sharing.

What if we considered adding or growing in the area of generosity? How could we actually do it?

There are three practical ways to add generosity as a character quality:

 

1. GENEROUS with my MONEY

This is the most obvious and often thought of way to be generous. And a great tangible example.

Ironically, it doesn’t need to be a lot of money to make a difference! It’s the sacrifice.

Sometimes it’s simply helping someone in need.

Other times it’s giving to something bigger than ourselves.

The point here is to use what we have to be generous to others.

I remember as a child my father would buy grocery store or McDonalds gift cards for the sole purpose of giving to someone in need.

If he saw someone with a sign that said “homeless”, he would give them one of these gift cards.

We had VERY little money growing up but it taught me how to be generous even when others would say, “they’re probably just going to use it on alcohol or cigarettes.” My father showed a way to not use that as a reason to avoid giving and still be generous to someone in need.

And if money has a hold on us, this is a great way to loosen its grips and can make an immediate impact for the good.

Our family chooses to support a child in Africa. My kids see the impact of the financial support.

We recently created a care package for this child filled with purchased items (the kids paid for) along with notes, and pictures. It took creativity and thought but it’s been a great experience for our family.

Are you thinking of a way you could be generous to someone else and develop this character quality?

 

2. GENEROUS with my TIME

This is a challenge for me. Sometimes the 1st option of generous with my money can be easier because it’s a gift and may not require any more of you.

But giving of my time gets VERY personal. I’m a highly structured person so time is my most valuable resource.

Yet what better way to show someone generosity then in an area that directly requires something of me?

The quickest crowd I can personally choose to be generous with my time is with my family.

My wife’s love language is time spent (and who could blame her with a traveling husband). And my kids, like any other kids, absolutely love any time especially generous time spent.

Others are generous with their time by their actions. I know a handful of friends who in a moment’s notice would help me do anything.

It’s a free way to serve others and demonstrate the character quality of generosity.

Yet so few are generous with their time. We can easily defend why we cannot offer this gift and may even be justified.

But what if we learned to develop this character quality giving more of our time to our family first then to others? What impact would it make on them?

 

3. GENEROUS with my WORDS

Why would WORDS make the list of generosity? Because of the power of words.

When someone is generous with encouragement, how does it make you feel? Do you avoid them or soak in their generosity in this life-giving way?

Most people are guarded with their words. But when I find someone who empowers, encourages, believes in, and motivates me with their words, I want to be around them.

The reality is being generous with your words is a choice. You choose to bring others life and build them up rather than being negative and tearing someone down or even choosing to say absolutely nothing.

If your natural impulse is negative, this could be a great challenge for you even if you may be generous in one or both of the other ways. (money and time)

Words are free and can be literally said in a moment’s notice verbally or in written form. Yet their impact could be for days, weeks, or even months later. What a return on the investment!

I want to be a person who is gracious with their words. I want someone to leave my presence motivated, challenged, inspired, and encouraged. Are you with me?

 

There are two specific ways to develop a generous character:

DESIRE

You have to WANT to develop the generous quality. If the desire is not there, nor will the development of this endearing quality in your character.

No one can force you to be generous. It’s a decision that must be made with conviction in order for it not only to have meaning but stay long term and affect your character.

Motivated, busy professionals naturally have desire in their drive. It’s part of the wiring.. But which desire is determined only by you.

It’s a pre-requisite and critical for generosity. Do you have this desire?

 

OBSERVATION

Once you have the desire, you must learn the skill of observation to see opportunities to be grateful.

SO many things in life are missed simply because we’re not aware of the opportunity.

What if we took that desire and acted on that opportunity? What a difference you could make in someone else’s life?

It’s amazing just how many little things we could do to impact other people by our generosity if we just noticed. This is a challenge for motivated and especially BUSY professionals.

And oh what a difference we could make to others.

 

Closing Thoughts…

Do you want to be known as a generous person? Is this a quality that speaks to you? If so, then begin looking for ways to use your money, time, and words to be generous.

Check your desire and look become observant looking for opportunities to be generous.

And the most ironic part is not only is the person you’re generous towards affected by your actions, so will you. Skeptical? Try it and see…

 

Closing Question…

Is this a character quality you want to develop?

 

NO REP LEFT BEHIND

Four Under-Rated Effects to Maximize Your Workout Results

 

How many workouts have you completed and less than 24 hours later it felt like you did no more work than watching 30 minutes of tv? (and at least THAT was fun!)

Is it possible you’re not seeing the outcome you want not necessarily because of the actual workout but how you’re working out?

Jack is committed to working out. He rarely misses one of his workouts. But yet he does.

He’s physically there but just goes through the motions. He does the minimum and rarely makes the most of the time. It’s more something to do than a result to be gained.

It’s also a bragging point to others. “Yeah, I worked out today.”

But he’s there. What more do you expect? Let me explain.

There’s a military phrase, “no man left behind.” It’s a commitment to each person that no matter what, I will not leave you.”

What if we took a similar commitment to a play on words of leaving no rep behind? How much different would your workouts look with this commitment?

I was introduced to this concept by trained athletes who took every moment of a workout seriously. And it was so apparent with their obvious incredible bodies.

 

There are Four Under-Rated Effects to Maximize Your Workouts:

1. THE COMPOUND EFFECT

Do you realize that every repetition builds on each other? This means you literally get “more bang for your buck” with the next rep.

But so many of our workouts are more about getting each set or the workout done than looking at how each rep is building on each other.

The Compound Effect states the more I concentrate on this single repetition, the more gain I will receive in future repetitions.

IF you were to have this mindset you will be shocked at the results.

For example. Let’s say you were doing arm curls. Instead of just concentrating on getting the 10th repetition, try focusing on each individual repetition.

You WILL notice the compound effect kicking in each of the corresponding sets. The weight that “used to be light” will get A LOT heavier and ironically, you didn’t changed the weight.

What happened? The Compound Effect.

I remember when I was younger and around “actual weightlifters.” The only words they were utter to this young novice trying to impress them were “slow down, feel each rep.” It wasn’t until I was older did I understand and truly appreciate those words of wisdom.

It’s a mindset though. We’re SO used to just going through the motions and just getting the workout in, we fail to miss the very thing that makes the 1st important difference: The Compound Effect.

 

2. THE PUSH EFFECT

A majority of people workout by themselves. The good part is you’re not dependent upon anyone else. You can workout when you want and how you want.

The bad part is you’re not dependent upon anyone else. You can miss workouts, dog it, and definitely not challenge yourself.

The Push Effect states that if the set is not challenging, push yourself harder the next time around. You’re simply going through the motions and not challenging yourself.

Who gets off easy? You. Who suffers and loses The Compound Effect? You.

For example, let’s say you’re doing a leg exercise and you’re flying through the set and don’t feel the current weight at all. Instead of using the same weight next time, push yourself and increase the weight.

If you’re really serious about The Push Effect, you’ll notice the lack of effect in the first couple of reps, (because no rep is left behind) you set the light, non-effective weight down, pick-up heavier, more effective weight, and start the set over.

But that takes awareness, effort, and commitment to take every rep captive.

 

3. THE EXHAUSTION EFFECT

Nothing beats feeling the muscle(s) you actually worked out that day and even better yet, the next day!

Yet how many times do you even know which body part you worked just one day ago let alone a few hours later?

If this is the case, then working out is a mere hobby, something to do, not taken seriously and something to be gained.

If you take the time to allow The Compound Effect to kick in, you will feel the exhaustion of that muscle or group of muscles.

Sadly, most of my previous workouts only left me tired due to boredom not from exhaustion.

The Exhaustion Effect states I will push myself harder enough from my workout today so I will completely feel it tomorrow.

For example, if you took the concept of “no rep left behind” and truly maximized each rep in each set, your muscle will hit a point of exhaustion.

And if you really got your money’s worth, you will feel it the same day and at least the next day. Oh, what a feeling!

Isn’t the point of the workout not to just be over but to have actually gained something? This leads to the last and final effect.

 

4. THE RESULTS EFFECT

Some may choose to workout for the social aspect. But most people, if they were honest, want results.

But yet what we think we want (results) and what we actually do (go through the motions) are two completely different things?

And what is ultimately lost? Change. Progress. Results.

The Result Effect states if I’m willing to do the hard work now I will see the results later.

Each of the four effects build on each other.

Every repetition compounds to the point that it makes the next one exponentially better.

I must push myself to maximize The Compound Effect.

When my body is pushed, I will feel the necessary exhaustion.

When my body is exhausted, I begin to see results.

When I begin to see results, I become incredibly inspired to “want more of THAT” and this is when the Big Mo (motivation for those who are not slang savvy) becomes your new best friend.

If you’re busy, you need to maximize whatever time you have to see results. This means learning and applying any insight to make you better so you see the results you desire in the limited time you may have on any given day.

 

In the End…

You may be reading this post and think, I barely workout let alone even think about my workouts! Then use this post as motivation to get going! And the benefit is you can begin using these four effects and not try to unlearn bad habits. (such the optimist, eh?)

Some of your workouts may not include actual weights but these principles can be adapted and applied.

You need to translate these four effects to maximize YOUR results. This is the application part of the program beyond merely reading.

“Leaving no rep left behind means committing to maximizing every single opportunity to compound, push, and exhaust my body so I can and will see the desired results.”

If you don’t, you’re dogging your workouts and going through the motions. You reap what you sow.

A motivated busy professional who desires to EXCEL in areas only you can control will take this as a challenge to escape their average and embrace being physically better in fitness.

Will you make this commitment to leave no rep behind? I challenge you to try it for this next week and see the results. Catch yourself if / when you start coasting through your workouts and implement No Rep Left Behind!

 

Closing Question…

What would happen to your workouts if no rep was left behind?

 

Four Ways to Measure My Purpose of Why I’m Here

 

Have you ever noticed just how many people just do life? And ironically, not even a very good one.

They just go from one day to another almost in an awake coma simply going through the motions.

Would anyone outright admit it? Not a chance. But a simple analysis would reveal they’re just on a gentle coast to nowhere.

A motivated busy professional wants to have purpose. Is that you?

I wrote a blog called “Do You Have IT?” in which I addressed three foundational reasons to live a life of purpose.

I wanted to follow up to explore each of the three reasons in more detail.

In review, the definition of Purpose is “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.”

My simplified definition is…

“Doing something bigger than me or living for something bigger than myself.”

 

Purpose Gives Life Meaning – Why I’m Here

Once I know why I am here, it’s amazing the clarity that comes from my purpose.

But often it’s a long and confusing journey to find that coveted purpose.

[tweetthis]I’m drawn & moved to people with purpose. There’s just something about their story that’s compelling.[/tweetthis]

 

But this isn’t by accident. They’ve had their purpose tested and they’ve withstood the test.

Since most have not found their purpose yet, I want to challenge your thinking of what it will begin to look like when you find it.

This is an acronym to measure your purpose. You want and need to know why you’re here.

 

H – HEART

Key Question:  are you passionate about your purpose?

This area is difficult to fake.

I had a high school basketball coach who would tell us all of the time to “put your heart into it” (usually ended with Buckley!) What did he mean?

Playing with heart meant we were truly in the game. We cared. We wanted to be there and we wanted to win.

It’s much like life.

You can tell when someone just simply doesn’t care about something. They’re simply there because they have to be not because they want to be.

IF this is your purpose, first and foremost, your heart must be in it. Passion is an instant by-product.

 

E – ENERGY

Key Question:  does your purpose give you energy

SO much of life is draining especially if we have a lot of things we HAVE to do.

[tweetthis]Your purpose is something you want to do & should give you an instant & ongoing shot of adrenaline.[/tweetthis]

You should lose yourself in it and feel like you can take on absolutely anything after engaging in it.

Others will be amazed by your passion but to you, energy is an added bonus, a “but wait, there’s more” benefit.

It will ultimately provide the strength you’ll need to take on any challenge and to see it through to the end.

 

R – RESILIENCE

Key Question:  am I willing to fight for my purpose?

Anything that is not easy and challenges the status quo will attract conflict.

Your purpose will encounter resistance. People will not understand. You will question yourself.

But it’s in those challenging times you will truly know if your purpose is really your purpose.

How? Because you not only withstand the resistance itself, but as a result, it makes you stronger. You become resilient.

It’s not IF challenges will come but WHEN and HOW will you handle them.

This is what separates a mere dreamer to someone on a mission.

 

E – EYES

Key Question:  do I see the world differently because of my purpose?

Since most people just walk around life in a day coma, they miss SO much especially things that truly matter.

Your purpose will open up your eyes to see the world differently.

And what you see will move you with emotion to change what you see. It’s absolutely critical.

When I listen to someone passionate about a certain area, I often find myself saying, “I never noticed that before” or “I didn’t realize it was that bad.”

Why? It’s not my purpose and often just don’t have the eyes to see it.

But they did because their purpose opened up their eyes to a whole new world.

 

So what if I don’t know what my purpose is and why I’m HERE..?

Work through the acronym trying to answer the following questions:

Question 1: what do you put your Heart into any given day?

Question 2: what brings you Energy in life?

Question 3: what am I willing to be Resilient for that matters to me?

Question 4: what opens up my Eyes in the world around me?

Think through each one of these questions and as you answer them, hopefully your purpose will begin to take form.

 

In the End…

My challenge for you is find your purpose. It takes work to uncover and develop. But in the end it’s worth every moment of the discovery process.

Others are waiting for you to find your purpose.!

 

Closing Question:

Why are you really H.E.R.E?