A strong relationship is a reciprocal relationship. That’s why you need to develop the ability to share. When you pass something along to someone else, whether it’s an idea, a feeling or a resource, everybody wins. If you pick up a good idea today, pass it along. Say, “Hey, I found a book that really helped me.” Maybe the book got you thinking. Maybe it changed your health. Maybe it inspired you. Whatever benefit you received can be passed along. And in the process of passing it along, you will benefit again and again. If you share what you’ve learned with 10 different people, they get to hear it once, and you get to hear it 10 times. It’s probably going to do more for you than for them until they start the sharing process, too.
For me, giving seminars, writing books and recording programs are all joys in life. They are the best investment I can make of my words, spirit, heart, soul, time and energy. I enjoy nothing more than to hear somebody say, “You got me started. You turned my lights on, turned my mind around, got me thinking, got me pondering… and I’ve been on track ever since.” You will hear that kind of praise (and more!) when you share. Share with your children. Share with your colleagues. Share with everybody that comes within your grasp.
Sharing makes you bigger than you are. If you have a full glass of water, can the glass hold any more water? The answer is yes, but only if I pour out what’s already in it. That’s what I’m asking you to do. If you’re full of ideas, if you’re full of good things, I’m asking you to pour them out. As you do, I promise you, more will be poured in.
Unlike a glass however, when you pour something out of yourself, you become bigger. Human beings have the ability to grow in consciousness and awareness and capacity. Even as kids, we don’t lack the capacity. Ask yourself how many languages a child can learn. Answer: As many as you’ll take the time to teach them. They do not lack capacity. They only lack teachers.
The same thing is true for you. You don’t lack capacity. Each time you share what you’ve got, you get bigger. Your consciousness grows. Your capacity increases. Why should you want your capacity to grow? You want it to grow so you can hold more of what is being shared with you.
You could pour happiness all over some people, and they still wouldn’t be very happy. Why? They’re not big enough. If you’re small—small in comprehension, small in the ability to think and wonder, small in appreciation—you won’t enjoy any benefit, no matter how much prosperity or happiness or wisdom is poured out. Don’t be like that. Learn to share. It’s a glorious experience.
Related: True Success Begins the Second You Start Giving Back
Adapted from Leading an Inspired Life
This article originally appeared on JimRohn.com and has been republished with permission.
