Start small.  Giving is fulfilling.  Giving makes us feel whole. It seems counter-intuitive especially in our culture today – but receiving gifts and just thinking about ourselves ultimately is not satisfying.  It leads us to a dead-end.  Ultimately, what successful people tend to do more than others is to give their time, money, and other resources.

You may say, “well duh, Austin, they have more money and more time to give.”  While this may be true, it is not necessarily about whether someone has tangible things to give.  Successful people have a different mindset:  That whatever they are giving – time, money, coaching, support – the mindset is to do something for someone else without the expectation of receiving anything in return.  Despite what our culture tells us, this is what fulfills us – doing something nice for someone else without expecting anything in return.

The best part about giving is that you can start wherever you are in your life.  If you don’t have any money, volunteer at an organization that you are passionate about.  Buy your friend lunch randomly and don’t tell them why.  If you are in the drive-thru at Starbucks pay for the person behind you without them knowing about it.  Start tithing regularly at church.

Even if you are paying off your debt or not in a position to give financially, find a way to give.  You will be glad you did.