Being of Service

I am convinced that money’s highest use is to support a good life. And one of the best ways to have a better life is to be of service to others. 

Two of the most vital needs for humans are our need for connection, and our need for purpose. Sadly, I think these are some of the most commonly unmet needs in our society today. 

But when you get out of your own head, away from your own needs and fears, and instead focus on what you can do to be of service to others, everything else improves. Suddenly, you have that purpose and connection you yearned for. 

It’s ironic, because most people feel strongly that if they only had more time, and more money, that they’d be happier. But actually, we’re happiest when we give these resources away, and use them to make life a little better for our fellows, not just ourselves. 

It’s an interesting paradox. 

Yet there’s a tension between practicality and idealism. It isn’t particularly helpful to anyone to risk your own stability and neglect your own needs. In doing so, you’ve only added to the number of people who need to be helped. 

There is at least some healthy amount of taking care of yourself. If nothing else, doing so puts you in a better position to serve others and share some of that stability with them. 

But there’s not much joy to be had at the other end of the spectrum, where all you think about is money, how to make more of it, how to keep more of it, how to grow it more… If you’re that preoccupied with your own security, you’re apt to miss the very point of living! 

In giving, it helps to have a firm financial foundation. Whether you’re dedicating your time, or cutting a check, it’s nice being able to do it without worrying about your own needs. And too, perhaps one of the best reasons to gain financial independence is that you can spend more of your time making the world a more wonderful place. 

Yet, I don’t think you need to wait until you’re completely financially independent to start volunteering and donating to charity. It’s good for the soul, so why wait? Plus, you never know what growth and friendships may come from it. 

A practical way to start is small and consistent. Set aside a portion of your income as a giving fund. It can be 1% to start. Pair that with a small amount of time. An hour a month is enough. 

Service is a skill. You don’t know ahead of time what will feel meaningful, what’s sustainable, or where you’re actually useful. That only becomes clear through experience.

Even small amounts can be instructive. Giving $20 and then paying attention afterward can tell you a lot. Did it feel aligned with your heart? Do you trust how it will be used? Did it make you want to stay engaged, or step back? There are many worthwhile causes, but not all of them will fit you.

In selecting causes, I use a few filters:

• Stewardship: 

  • Is the organization well-run?

  • Does it have a good track record?

  • Are they effective with their resources? 

  • Do they track their operating results and impact?

• Personal Resonance:

  • Does it move you? 

  • If you spent more of your life and your resources in service of this mission, would that feel authentic to you? Would you consider that a life well-lived?

  • After giving, do you feel like giving more later on? 

  • Are you giving for fun or out of obligation?

• Impact:

  • Does this organization create lasting change? For something like childhood hunger, this doesn’t necessarily mean no child will ever be hungry again. But perhaps this child receives a lasting message: “strangers care about me. I am worth caring about.” 

As far as your brain is concerned, if you are dedicating any time and money to help others, then you are one of the fortunate few. You are somebody who has not only enough, but abundance to spare. This is that paradox again. You give something away, and somehow end up with more. You appreciate more of what you have.

Service just puts you in a different state of mind. Focusing on yourself and your own needs emphasizes everything you need but lack. It’s a fearful state. But somehow, when you’re focused on others, and being of service to them, it’s just hard to be afraid. 

And it’s easier to be joyful.