Being generous begins with treating everyone as if they have achieved the great potential that lies within all of us. Giving something willingly and happily without expecting anything in return is generosity, whether it's donating money to an organization you trust or giving time to a friend in need. In essence, generosity is a genuine desire to make other people's lives easier and more enjoyable. So how do you develop generosity? See Step 1 to get started.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Have the Right Mindset
Step 1. Giving from the heart
If you really want to be generous, then you should give only because you want to give, not because there is an ulterior motive or want in return. You should give simply because you want to give, because you found something you believe in, and because you want to do good in the world. If you give to impress others or to win over others, then you are not truly generous.
Step 2. Know that being generous will make you happier
While you shouldn't be generous out of self-interest, you should know that generous people are known to be happier than those who aren't: Being generous makes people feel more loving for others, provides a stronger sense of community, and builds higher self-image. When you are generous to others, you can also be generous to yourself.
If you are happier, then you will have a more positive outlook and more energy to do good in the world. The positive cycle will continue
Step 3. Pay attention to what would make someone's life easier
When you are interacting well with neighbors or friends, pay attention and see if you can help them. Maybe your coworker is very stressed and needs someone to take care of his pet dog while he is visiting his sick mother in another city. Maybe your best friend's car breaks down and she needs a ride to school. Maybe your mom is working too hard and doesn't realize how much she needs help until you give it. When you talk to someone, start wondering how you can help them instead of always thinking about how they can help you.
Step 4. Be grateful for what you have
Gratitude can inspire generosity because it will make you realize all the great things you have in life. Each Sunday, sit down and make a list of at least five things you are grateful for, and take time to appreciate them. Think of all the good that other people have done for you and never forget to be grateful, even if the kindness was done months earlier. Being more grateful will put you in the right mindset to be generous.
If you can appreciate all that you have, you will be more able to share the wonderful things with other people, to help them appreciate life as much as you do
Step 5. Don't forget to be kind to yourself
While volunteering, caring for and giving time to others are great ways to be generous, you shouldn't lose sight of yourself in the process. Don't forget to listen to yourself and know what you want and need, whether it's a good meal or a comfortable bubble bath. If you neglect yourself completely for the sake of others, you may end up exhausted and not have much to give.
Caring for one's own needs and making oneself happy is not a selfish act. The selfish thing is to only pay attention to yourself and others not at all, there is a difference between the two
Part 2 of 2: Doing Good
Step 1. Celebrate something for someone
For your friend's upcoming birthday, make special plans. Prepare a big birthday cake, invite some people and throw a party, make him feel loved and special. Even people who claim to hate birthdays love to be pampered and celebrated, and you should make an effort to make the people closest to you feel special. You can find any reason to celebrate something for someone, from a birthday to a promotion, just because you want to.
Step 2. Be nice to strangers
Even if it's just greeting someone you've never met before, giving someone a compliment in line at the supermarket, or holding the door for someone with groceries, taking the time to be nice to someone you don't know is incredibly generous and easy. And if you're in a hurry, then taking the time to be kind to other people will be much more generous.
Step 3. Give your time to friends
If a friend is down and needs company, then you should be generous with your time and keep them company. Make room in your schedule to spend time with him, whether it's a walk, a movie, or a long talk over tea. Even though you are busy, there is always room in your life to hang out with friends.
Step 4. Donate to something you believe in
You don't have to be rich to donate money to a reputable charity. Even if you only give a hundred thousand rupiahs every month, you will do good to the world and feel good about yourself. You should give this money right after you receive your paycheck, not at the end of the month, when you see how much money you have left. You'll be surprised that you don't feel like you're losing money. Even putting change into a tip box can be a generous act.
Step 5. Volunteer
Volunteering your time is a great way to be generous. If you want to be a generous person, then devote at least an hour or two a week to volunteering in soup kitchens, teaching young children or adults, cleaning public parks, or doing some other kind of good for the world. You can take on a variety of tasks, such as volunteering at a bookstore, or helping with fundraisers for charities. Find something that gives you meaning while developing generosity.
Step 6. Share your stuff
When you are with friends, share your food, clothes, car, house, or anything else that has meaning to you. If you just share something you don't care about, then it's meaningless. If you only have two chocolate bars and you give one to a friend, it means more than giving your friend one of a hundred candies you don't care about.
Step 7. Give something you love
Give your sister your favorite sweater. Give your friends your favorite novel. Give a beautiful notebook to a friend and encourage him to start writing poetry. Giving something you don't care about isn't really generous, because you're not making a sacrifice. But giving something meaningful to you, that you know will be of use to someone else, is a great generosity.
Step 8. Compliment someone
Be generous with kind words and aim to give at least five compliments a week – even a day! When you're talking to someone, find a way to make a meaningful compliment, or simply say something as simple as, "I love your necklace" or "Your glasses are so cool." Even the smallest compliment, when given sincerely, can make a difference in the day of the person receiving it.
Step 9. Send a "thank you" card
Instead of just sending a "thank you" email or even a text message, take the time to send a card to someone who really made a difference in your life. This will show him that you care and that you are making the effort to let him know that his help means a lot to you. Sending a thank you card will put you in a more giving and generous mindset.
Step 10. Call a friend who is having problems
If you can't be there in person, call him to ask how he's doing, say hello, and show that you care. If you take a few minutes to show them that you think about them and that you're kind and genuine, then you'll make their day even better, even if they're still struggling. Taking the time to try to comfort someone in need over the phone is a very generous act.
Step 11. Give up your seat
Sure, you had a tough day at work, but the older person standing next to you may be even more tired than you are. And that person doesn't have to be older – you can give that seat to someone else just because you don't really need it and because it would be fun.
Step 12. Tipping generously
If you get excellent service, or if you meet someone who needs entertainment, tip generously when you pay the bill. Write a thank you note at the bottom of the bill, letting him know that he's brightened your day.
Step 13. Leave a positive comment on someone on the internet
Whether on a stranger's blog or a friend's Facebook and Instagram accounts, leave positive comments or approvals to show that you care, so that person feels better. Plus, it would be very generous!
Step 14. Hold the door for someone
No matter how busy, late, or tired you are, you shouldn't be too busy holding the door for someone, or taking the time to be polite and kind to those around you. This simple act will make both you and the other person feel better, and you'll see that there's always time to slow down and help someone else out.
Step 15. Donate your belongings
Don't let your old sweaters or clothes pile up in your closet for years. Take the time to sort through the clothes and donate them to charity so that they are useful to others. It won't take long to sort your clothes and drop them off at a charity, and you'll feel good just thinking about the people who can use your clothes.
Step 16. Make someone smile
If you meet someone who needs comforting, whether it's a stranger or one of your relatives, take the time to make that person smile, whether it's telling a silly joke, smiling first, or doing him a sweet favor. Making someone smile can have a big impact on their day, and you'll be generous for making someone happier.
Tips
- Generosity is also shown by forgiving the shortcomings or mistakes of others.
- Don't force yourself to be generous; just try to summon that generosity when your instincts tell you.
