I want to share with you some thoughts that I have been processing from some recent reading. If you have been following my recent entries, you know that I am working through the John Maxwell book How Successful People Think. What I am sharing today comes from the chapter on Unselfish Thinking.
Even though most of us see the value of Unselfish Thinking, our natural tendencies are to look out for ourselves first. So, to help me and others try to manage our self-centered urges here is a quick and dirty punch list, as prescribed by John Maxwell.
How to Experience the Satisfaction of Unselfish Thinking:
1 – Put Others First
This really is not new material. But, it does not hurt to hear it again. We have to be reminded that the first step in unselfish thinking is learning to put others first. Regardless of popular thinking, it is not all about me.
Norman Vincent Peale and Ken Blanchard wrote:
People with humility don’t think less of themselves; they just think of themselves less.
2 – Expose yourself to situations where people have needs.
If we can get to the point where we see the value in putting others people’s needs before our own, we nest need to be willing to put some feet to the idea. We need to actually give of ourselves unselfishly. Start small at first. The point is for us to learn how to give of ourselves freely and establish the habit of thinking like a giver.
3 – Give quietly or anonymously
Once we have established the habit of pouring out ourselves for others, our next goal is to learn how to do it without expecting it to be reciprocated. We all like a little recognition when we do good. Try serving someone without telling others about your actions. Its a good test for your motive for giving. It wont be easy, but you can do it.
4 – Invest in people intentionally
The pinnacle of unselfish thinking is being able to give of yourself to another person for their personal well-being. This includes considering other’s personal journey and determining ways to come along side them and collaborate with them to meet their goals. Most people want to ensure that they win first. The unselfish thinker looks for a win-win with others.
5 – Continually check your motives
Most people’s generosity is often times ambition in disguise. The motive for investing in another person was merely to ensure their own win. We need to continually check out motives to ensure that we are not slipping back into a selfish mindset. Ask yourself frequently “Why am I helping this person? Is it for my benefit or theirs?”
Give this a try this week. The world could certainly use a few more givers instead of takers. Good luck!
Tags: Giving, humility, John Maxwell, ken blanchard, Loving, motive, norman vincent peale, punch list, satisfaction, self improvement, selfish, Selfless, Thinking
