THE HOLIDAYS ARE BASED ON THANKFULNESS AND GIVING
When we start with the Thanksgiving holiday in November and the rest which are all based on GIVING, we see these tremendous principles that bring out the best in us: Thankfulness and giving. I've been talking about the business concept of how you should give while expecting nothing in return and at no time of year is that easier than during the holidays.
BEING THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP
Isn't it awesome that you can still give even when it may feel like you don't have much to give? You have the ability to give of your time, love or insight. Everybody's worried about money, but you have other gifts that you can give to others. Help somebody and be thankful for that opportunity. Shovel their snow.
GIVING YOUR HELP & EXPECTING NO BUSINESS IN RETURN
You have to become a true giver to understand the foundational aspects of gratitude. You have to really learn to give while expecting NOTHING in return. You'll go emotionally bankrupt if you expect something in return all the time. Try giving anonymously and just watch the reaction of someone else as they receive your gift -- and expect nothing in return. Their reaction is enough to show you how powerful this concept is. If you see a young couple in a restaurant that looks like they might be struggling, pick up their tab -- and make sure the waitress doesn't tell them it was you. The holidays are a great time to practice giving, because we are already in that mindset.
CARRYING HOLIDAY VALUES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Chasing a trophy can be fulfilling to a certain point (speaking from experience), but then you'll realize at the end that it just wasn't very fulfilling. You're not helping others when you're chasing a trophy for yourself. What imprint did your business leave in the world when you're doing something for yourself? Not much! When others are grateful for the HELP that you've given them in the process, and thankful, that's leaving an imprint. And that's good business.
