Being Generous When You Think You Can't

And why it matters.

Wedding at Amangiri. Photo by Cameron Clark.

Photo by Cameron Clark.


Generous people change the world. Not because of what or how much they give, but because they are doers and see possibilities where others don't. 

When it comes to generosity, there is a timeless truth: "If you won't be generous with $10, you won't be generous with $10,000."

If you don't build up the muscle of generosity when it seems you don't have as much financially to give, that habit won't suddenly materialize when you have more.

If you're not used to giving or if it feels intimidating, it's okay. Just remember that nothing changes if nothing changes. Make a commitment to start small. Donate $1 from every sale you make this year, starting today. 

Smaller amounts do still make a difference to organizations, but more importantly, the act gets you in the habit of giving and begins to change you into a more generous person.

The phrase "give back" is often used in relation to generosity, but I'd encourage you to adopt a "give as you go" mantra instead. The world needs you and your commitment to an optimism that things can get better, now.

 

Originally published June 2015


Written by
LIENE STEVENS

Liene Stevens, the founder and CEO of Think Splendid, is an author, speaker, and award-winning business strategist. Armed with $2000, a healthy work ethic, and an undeserved dose of privilege, Liene bootstrapped Think Splendid from a scribble in a notebook to a successful wedding business consulting firm with a client list spanning 94 countries