A Person of Value

 By Bob Burg and John David Mann

 A shift in focus from getting to giving not only feels great, it also has practical, positive benefits in every area of life, including physical, spiritual, emotional, relational and financial.

Physically, studies show that givers are healthier. Spiritually, they are more in tune with the greater good and our common Source. Emotionally, taking the focus off yourself and turning it onto helping others makes you happier and more fulfilled. Relationally, the strongest marriages and other relationships grow from a foundation of putting others ahead of ourselves.

And financially? Yes, it’s even true here, too. While this might seem counterintuitive, the fact is, those who give the most in value are by far the most successful. This is because when you focus on adding value to the people with whom you do business, they recognize this value. Immediately? Not always. Eventually? Absolutely.

Booker T. Washington said, “No man who continues to add something to the material, intellectual and moral well-being of the place in which he lives is left long without proper rewards.” He was referring to people who add value to those around them.

Webster’s defines value as “The property or aggregate properties of a thing which makes it useful or desirable.” In other words, that quality or qualities which translates into worth in the mind of another.

Your value to others is derived from and defined by what you give. This includes, but is not limited to: time, money, a kind word, a pat on the back, a business referral, a listening ear, encouragement, and even a product or service. The person who comes from a giving place seeks to add value to all. Focus on constantly adding value in everything you do, and to everyone you meet.

A “giving spirit” is not one of self-sacrifice, codependence or martyrdom. The martyr still sees the dualism between helping oneself and helping others, viewing these two as being in conflict. The true giver sees no such conflict. The true giver knows that giving is a tide that raises all ships, and allows you to be a person of value to others while doing very well for yourself.

To the degree that you focus on adding value to others, constantly and consistently, you’ll determine your worth, in the heart and in the marketplace. High value will translate into high income, high health, positive relationships, and a magnificent feeling of self-worth.

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Bob Burg and John David Mann are coauthors of The Go-Giver, which quickly hit both the Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek bestseller lists. To download a free copy of Chapter One, visit (www.thegogiver.com). Burg is also author of Endless Referrals and Mann is author of several books including You Call The Shots (coauthored with Cameron Johnson).