The problem is that many have lost perspective. It is easy for this to happen when we have lost things such as love, friends, income, jobs, family norms…and the list goes on. We can easily fall into the trap of thinking about how to protect ourselves rather than how we can help others.

So ask yourselves these questions daily if you want to increase your levels of passion, purpose and overall fulfillment:

• Not what can I get, but what can I give?
• Not who can serve me, but who can I serve?
• Not what can I take, but what can I add?
• Not what can I learn, but what can I teach?

The best leaders bring this mindset to their teams.

The best teams bring this mindset to their customers.

The best sales professionals bring this mindset to their clients and partners.

And the most successful people in life bring this mindset to the world.

In trying times or during a long season of struggle or loss, it is common for us to lose our perspective and to find ourselves most concerned about ourselves, looking out for No. 1.

If that is you, take a day to reflect on your Life Plan and Vision. If you are not seeing enough giving in what you read, revise it. If it’s already there but you just haven’t been doing it, come up with one action you can implement in the week ahead. Maybe starting your day off with the above questions will be help enough.

We believe so strongly in this philosophy that we made it our theme at this year’s Experience. If you are looking to find more ways you can make a greater contribution in your business and life, consider joining us this September.

It is more blessed to give than to receive, and it is a much better way to live and lead.

The event kicked off last night, with about 3600 of their team members in attendance. It was a powerful opening, with music by Israel Houghton and a great message by Bill Hybels. Bill is the Sr. Pastor of Willow Creek Church in Chicago, and he founded the Leadership Summit which impacts thousands of leaders every year from around the world.

What struck me last night was the theme. I’m not sure whether Israel and Bill had synched up prior to that night, but their message was clear.

Each of us can be used to forever impact the life of one person.

Bill’s message was much broader, but this one point really hit home for me. Israel sang many songs, but the song that really resonated with me was entitled “The Power of One.”

By selflessly investing in one person who has a real need, we can change the trajectory of their life. That person can be a family member, a team member, a customer, a neighbor, or a stranger. They might have a physical need, a financial need, a relational need, or a spiritual need.

We have the ability to stop the busyness of our lives and to come alongside them for their good. So many times we are just too busy to see the need. But if we slow down and look around, we will see opportunities to be true difference makers. We can give of ourselves for the benefit of others.

Now, I know many of you are already doing this, and doing it in abundance. You are making a difference, and lives are already being changed. Keep it up.

As for the rest of us, my question is “Who?”

Who in your life today needs what you have to give? Do they need the phone call, the lunch, the note, the check, the hug, the listening ear? Look for them. They are all around you.

What we have been teaching our kids is true: it really is better to give than to receive. You may be just one person, but you have within you the ability to share something that could forever change someone’s life.

The Power of One,