Thanks and Giving

Today as we are coming into Thanksgiving, I thought we would focus on just that, thanks and giving. I know usually we focus mostly on how to improve our business or about the different aspects of real estate investing, but there are so many other things that deserve some of our attention that will help give us a better and more well-rounded life and might just make the world a slightly better place. Things often slow down during this part of the year and that gives us a fantastic opportunity to give thanks for the things that we have been blessed with and to take some time to give back to the people around us. So, let’s shift gears from our usual set of topics and take some time to look at a different set of opportunities that can help improve our lives and the lives of those around us.

Thanks

First, let’s start with giving thanks. What better time a year to look back and say thank you for the successes that we’ve had and all the things that we’re grateful for? Who has always stood by your side even when things weren’t going so great? Have you made some positive steps in your business? Are you really thankful for the people that helped you get from where you were before to where you are today? And not just in our business, but also let’s think about in our life. Who are we thankful for? Who do we really appreciate? It’s a great time to spend a few moments and focus on all the wonderful people in your life. I want to challenge you to take a minute and reach out to them to let them know that you appreciate them. It won’t take that long to make a short call, send an email, or just a quick text to say thank you and let them know that you are grateful for their help and that you appreciate them. It really goes a long way and means a lot to people to know that you are thinking of them and that you took the time to reach out and let them know. Just think about how you would feel and what it would mean to you if somebody said the same thing to you.

Don’t wait. Someone has to be the one to start the chain reaction of kindness and you are just the person to do it. I promise, you’re going to be much happier that you made the effort today than if you find an excuse to put it off.

Giving

Let’s not forget about the giving.  It’s a great time to look around and ask yourself, “Could I give a little back?” There are thousands of ways that you could choose to give back and it really doesn’t matter which way that you choose, as long as you make the effort. Start with anything that you are passionate about and I’m pretty sure that there is an area within that topic that you could offer some help.

We are currently participating in No Shave November. All we did was get a group of people together and decide not to shave and then donate the money we collected to charity. How hard is that? Besides, it’s been fun and there are tons of other fun ways to give back. We also like to give to another charity that helps provide food to kids who aren’t getting quite enough to eat at home. This is one of the most rewarding things that I get to do all year! We found an area that we are passionate about and it feels great to be able to give back especially when it is for the kids. Where would you like to give back? Take the time to think about it and then take action. I am certain that you will be glad you did.

It is not about the dollar amount that you can give. People often say that “I can’t give that much.” or “Times are a little tight right now.” That is completely understandable, but even $5 or $10 to someone that has very little can go a very long way. So even if it’s just a little…just start and then you can go from there. Does it have to involve money, absolutely not! It can just be giving some of your time. Where can you make an effort to help out? Do you know someone who’s house needs a lot of repairs? Is there somewhere that you would like to volunteer? Organizations are always looking for people who are willing to come in and just help out with their cause. I promise it will be some of the most rewarding time that you spend. So, look for an opportunity to go do it, and go give a little back.

I would also like to challenge you as you become more successful in your chosen line of business to remember what it was like when you first started and take the time to help out others who are in the same spot that you were a few years ago. Remember when you were just starting out and you had the hunger, but you just didn’t have the experience. How many times did you wish for a little guiding light or just somebody to help you know what direction to go? Maybe you got the help and maybe you didn’t but if you are in the spot to help others now, I would greatly encourage you to do so.

So, take some time to give thanks and to give back. It’s the right thing to do and luckily it will be one of the most rewarding things that you get to do. Say thank you to those that have been there for you and those you just make your days better by being around. Give back to those who are facing a difficult road and give a little bit of your time to try and make their journey a little easier. You will be glad you did.