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!

Where success is concerned, people are not measured in inches, or pounds, or college degrees, or family background; they are measured by the size of their thinking – David Schwartz

You have to think, so why not think big? – Donald Trump

Maxwell stresses that Big-Picture thinkers:

• Learn continually
• Listen intentionally
• Look expansively
• Live completely

Why should we pursue Big-Picture thinking?  Maxwell says:

• Big-Picture thinking allows you to lead
  • It helps you to:
    • See the vision before the people do
    • Size up situations, taking into account many variables
    • Sketch a picture of where the team is going
    • Show how the future connects with the past to make the journey more meaningful
    • Seize the moment when the timing is right
• Big-Picture thinking keeps you on target
• Big-Picture thinking allows you to see what others see
• Big-Picture thinking promotes teamwork
• Big-Picture thinking keeps you from being caught up in the mundane
• Big-Picture thinking helps you chart uncharted territory

From reading this chapter you can’t help but asking yourself:

Are you expanding your thinking to see the entire picture?

Are you able to see how today’s results, whether a win or lose, fits into the top level battle plan?

Are you keeping balance between tactical thinking required to get from point A-B  and the strategic thinking driving you to reach point Z?

Next time I will share Maxwell’s thoughts on Engaging in Focused Thinking.

More gold has been mined from the thoughts of man than has ever been taken from the earth – Napoleon Hill

Then he goes on to to say

When you take the time to learn how to change your thinking and become a better thinker, you are investing in yourself. Gold mines tap out. Stock markets crash. Real estate investments can go sour. But a human mind with the ability to think well is like a diamond mine that never runs out.  It’s priceless. – John Maxwell

If this is truly the case why would we neglect to make this kind investment in our thinking skills? The reason is simple. Most people have not been exposed to the process of improving their thinking.  As I work through Maxwell’s recipe for becoming a great thinker, I will share the highlights.