How To Live Intentionally #9: What About Serving Others?
How To Live Intentionally #9:
What About Serving Others?
The joy of intentional living comes from taking our eyes off of ourselves and serving others.
Self-centeredness almost always drives us to all kinds of self-destructive conditions: narcissism, selfishness, self-serving behaviors, self-deification, and self-delusion. When I focus my attention on my own unhappiness, discontent and dissatisfaction, I am digging a hole into the ground with a very powerful drill bit. This hole will slowly but surely become the dark pit of depression.
On the other hand, my best cure for depression is to turn my eyes to others who have needs, sometimes needs very basic to their survival. When I begin to serve those who are less fortunate than I am, less privileged than I am, and less protected than I am, I wake up. I wake up from my self-absorption to the rich blessings I may have taken for granted.
I am writing this article right after I finished watching a YouTube movie on motivation. In the movie, Dan Pink talks about the research that shows people are motivated to make a dent in the universe while not expecting to be paid for what they do. The research evidence illustrates how human beings are motivated by a transcendent purpose, a purpose larger than me and you.
To stoke my fire for service, I follow these steps.
1. Ask the question about me. What are my abilities, interests, passions and experiences?
2. Research the local and national organizations that serving a variety of causes. Which ones will be a good fit?
3. Study the strategies that the existing organizations are using and how effective they are.
4. Consider becoming a social entrepreneur if the existing organizations are not a good match. Zach Hunter, a 16-year old high school student, started the Loose Change to Loosen Chains movement to combat modern slavery. This student-led movement is spreading like wildfire.
5. Network with friends who share similar interests and passions. Share your interests and ideas and link arms with them.
Everyone has abilities, assets and resources to serve others. What are yours? Who in your network of relationships you can team up with?
I help people figure out what to do with their lives, discover their purpose and calling, identify their strengths, and more effectively navigate life – something called Life Coaching. Please visit me at www.theresaipfroehlich.com
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