The New Math Adds Up to More

We’re all taught that 3-1=2. But what if I told you that’s not always true. It’s easy to overlook the profound joy that we get from giving. Contrary to popular belief, the act of parting with something tangible opens the door to a treasure trove of intangible rewards for the giver. In fact, when you give something away, you’ll actually gain more as a result. So, in that case, 3-1=4. That’s the new math.

You gain so much more by giving.

Sharing is a tough concept for kindergarteners to learn because they’re still developing their sense of ownership and worry that they won’t get their favorite items back. As they grow older, positive reinforcement can help them develop better social skills and understand the benefit of being generous. Unfortunately, some grownups never learned the value of sharing or giving.

Four Obstacles That Prevent Generosity

Embracing the art of giving can prove to be quite challenging for some people. Here are four reasons why people fail to give:

Giving is synonymous with losing. Most people believe that parting with something is negative. But giving something away doesn’t mean that you’re giving something up.

Giving is forced down your throat. When giving is mandatory or when you’re shamed into being charitable, the joy of being generous is diminished. Instead of gaining a sense of pride, people get annoyed and resentful for being required to do something against their will.

Long-held habits are hard to break. Some people think, “I haven’t given before, so why start now?” The key is to break the long-term habit by giving a little today…and a bit more tomorrow.

Folks give for the wrong reason. When you give of yourself and expect something in return, it’s a transaction, not a kind gesture. When you focus on the payback rather than the good that you’re doing, you lose something valuable in the process.

The gift is in giving, not in the payback.

The Plus of Giving

Did you ever do something incredibly kind for someone and have the gesture met with overwhelming appreciation? The recipient may have said, “I’m speechless,” “I can’t thank you enough for your thoughtfulness,” or “How can I repay you for your kindness?”

There’s clearly a misunderstanding because the recipient thinks the gesture’s one-sided — they benefited, you lost.

That’s categorically untrue.

Depending on your level of generosity, you may have made someone’s day, enriched someone’s spirit, or even altered the course of someone’s life. How cool is that! Despite the fact that you’re bursting with pride, the recipient thanks you anyway for your kindness and generosity. Although their appreciation is certainly welcomed, the joy that you received from making a difference in someone’s life would certainly have been reward enough.

New Math — The Addition of Subtraction

In a world driven by an unending appetite for material possessions, the joy of giving often remains underestimated. While parting with tangible possessions may seem like a sacrifice, the intangible rewards that giving brings are immeasurable. That heartwarming feeling that accompanies generosity, the joy that emerges from making a difference in someone’s life, cannot be easily measured, but leaves a palpable mark on your soul.

It should be noted that your “gift” doesn’t have to be of high monetary value or even be a tangible gift at all. Your deed can be as simple as providing comfort to a friend, showing someone the ropes, making an appearance when no one else is available, or demonstrating how much you care. Giving is a plus. That’s the new math. I hope you discover the amazing power of giving and the value that it can add to your life.

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