The purpose of life is to discover your gift.
The work of life is to develop it.
The meaning of life is to give your gift away.
David Viscott
A lot of us are constantly seeking, seeking, seeking – where do I fit in? What is my purpose? What should I do next?
We pursue all sorts of avenues – consuming social media influencers, celebrity blogs, books, videos, alcohol, pastries, anything we can find. Just tell me how to get IT.
I want more money!
I want more clients!
I want more fulfillment!
I want more time!
I want MOOOOORE!
But what we don’t see is that we’re avoiding our purpose completely in this way – because your purpose will NEVER be found pursuing more of what you want.
It’s only found in extending your energy out to others.
In GIVING, right?
We KNOW it’s best to GIVE. GIVE more than you take!
BUT
Where some of us swing is into the land of OVERgiving. This is one area I really struggled with – and I still have to pull myself out of this pit sometimes.
This is where we give and give and give, to the point of resentfulness, burnout, or just plain anger. When we give to someone, it’s a challenge to put boundaries around our generosity or ask for anything in return.
Giving is a wonderful trait to have, but it needs to be kept in check.
If you OVERgive, no one benefits.
The best use of your time is to give the gift of your time and energy to people who need help – by helping them help themselves and others.
It serves no one to do everything for someone else. We need to show them how to learn and grow themselves.
You know – give a man a fish, and all that. Well, it’s true!
What’s worse is… you are not using your own precious energy to do your most soul-inspiring work if you’re only focused on giving to everyone’s immediate wants and needs.
Give yourself some SPACE and TIME to do the work that the world really needs – that only you can do.
People will understand.
Your gift must be protected, secured, and polished. If you feel resistance about doing this, it means you need to do it EVEN more.
How can you work on this?
FIRST: Journal – What is one area of your life where you are OVERgiving?
SECOND: Discover WHY you overgive. Is it really helping or is it hurting? List the benefits and the drawbacks of your overgiving for both yourself and others in the situation.
THIRD: Plan how you can use your energy here more effectively. Can you teach in this situation instead of just giving? Or should you completely step away to allow someone else to emerge as a leader here? What can be done?