Giving Back ... When and How Much?

This week I had a question arise from the audience at the end of my Millionaire Women luncheon keynote at the Intown Club in Cleveland, Ohio:

"Is it important to give back? How often and how much?"

The answer: "Yes, frequently and as much as you can!"

In years of experience and observation of volunteerism and philanthropy it has become apparent that giving back is integral to success and often is proportionate to the degree of success of an individual or an organization. It has been shown in studies put forth by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) that the most successful corporations in the United States have the most robust philanthropy and associate volunteer programs.

That said, individuals and businesses just starting out are encouraged to give back to the level they can, rather than waiting for the perfect moment or the dollars to make the big gift. Giving back is a habit that is part of character and culture for individuals and organizations. For those who have limited financial means to share, giving back can be through a donation of time to a non-profit organization, school, civic or community cause.

"The open hand of giving is never empty." Mel Kaufmann, The Millionaire Handbook

Kaufmann's quote reflects the experience of so many generous individuals who find new relationships, new learning, a sense of purpose and good will that comes from giving back. Giving back has been and continues to be an integral link in the circle of Success.

Invest in Success

Success is not something that comes cheap. In fact, it is really never FREE.

When wealth falls into your lap that is not really Success, that's just Luck! When organizations and individuals tell me they want to be a big success I know they don't really have a commitment to this until they are willing to invest their time, energy, resources, ideas and often, money, into the achievement of top levels of Success.

Sure, most would welcome top honors and the potential financial outcomes, but true peak achievement levels are earned through the investment of individuals and organizations that would not stop until their vision was realized.

Whether the investment is in personal coaching, training, speaking or grooming ... or in organizational change, staff additions, IT, financial counsel, marketing or team building, be prepared to invest time and/or resources. Be a savvy shopper, but don't be afraid to invest wisely.
True Success is worth it.

Recreating Your Journey

If you are considering a new path, here are four ways to help you move forward:

1. Research
2. Retrain
3. Network
4. Volunteer...

Research will help you fully understand all of the aspects of your choice including the energy, commitment, upside and downside potential, and the typical benefits of your choice. Online research, reading, and interviews are good outlets to help you learn all you can.

Retraining is another technique to "recreate" your life, your self, or your career. Community colleges, universities and continuing education programs are great outlets.

Networking with others in the field or potential supporters is of value; ask questions.

Volunteer for work similar to a position you are seeking. Become an expert through your time in a non-paying or non-profit role. This is a great arena for retraining and does the heart good to lend a hand. And remember: "The open hand of giving is never empty." Mel Kaufmann, The Millionaire Handbook.

Still Looking for the Path?

As I speak with people across the country so many share that they are not sure what will really make them happy and successful. They struggle to define Success in their lives. Without a clear goal, it is impossible to find the path and get the best result.

Are you looking for a new definition of Success in your life?

• Take a moment and think about when you are the happiest and most at peace in your life.
• Think about those times when you saw "time fly" and you were unaware of time's passing.
• Observe people who are passionate about an aspect of their life that is their Success goal.
• Consider your own strengths, experience and ideas and the value they offer the world.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Eleanor Roosevelt

Observe the great dreamers of our time, individuals who succeeded in spite of difficult circumstances, folks who achieved terrific Success.

Your observations of others and your focused introspection will help you find the path to your unique Success. But take heart, this is not an overnight fix; it's a process that follows high achievers throughout their lives. And the goals will keep changing as you reach one and move on to the next. Success is a journey. Your path is out there if you continue searching and just keep moving forward!

Happiness and Success

When we consider our individual goals and purpose in life, we begin to get our arms around what Success means to each of us. A definite vision of a goal helps the journey there move forward along a clear path. This is true for Success as well.

But even those who are still uncertain about their specific Success goals would agree that one fundamental aspect of a successful life has always been Happiness. The state of being happy is being explored with unprecedented research today as social scientists and psychologists explore what triggers happiness and positive mental health and its impact on our overall health and our lives.

Dan Baker, Author of "What Happy People Know" (2003) offers an enlightening book on the subject of happiness and its attainment. In pursuit of Success, Baker's 12 Qualities of Happiness are worth sharing. They are:

1. Love
2. Optimism
3. Courage
4. A sense of freedom
5. Proactivity
6. Security
7. Health
8. Spirituality
9. Altruism
10. Perspective
11. Humor, and
12. Purpose.

(Dan Baker, PhD is director of the Life Enhancement Program at Canyon Ranch.)

I recommend Baker's book as a quick read in paperback to consider your Happiness goals as part of your personal Run for Success. Pop it in your car, your purse or briefcase to fuel your mind with fresh and upbeat ideas for Success.

Success in Any Economy

As I speak with people about Success, it seems folks are wondering if they can still dream and reach for their goals given the challenging economic climate worldwide? The answer, of course, is YES. It would be ludicrous to think we can all use all of the same career tracks that may have worked last year, but creative thinking will lead us down new paths to achievement. In fact, in a recent speech in Kentucky, Cleveland Federal Reserve President -- Sandra Pianalto, shared that according to the US Patent office, there were 80% more patent applications in 2008 than there were ten years previous, in 1998.

Of course, the basic principles of quality performance, value and good business are fundamental to the success of any venture. Ideas alone without sound planning seldom endure.

However, while some of our huge institutions may be struggling, times like these often encourage entrepreneurs to launch new ventures and spur new economic growth engines. New opportunities are presented for those individuals open to positive thinking and change.

Creativity and awareness of new markets and consumer demands will continue to fuel possibilities for career success. Look around us. Is there an idea you have been considering launching for some time now? Carpe Diem. Perhaps today is your day.

Welcome to Success on the Run!

Welcome to Success on the Run!

If you are reading this blog you are probably an individual who wants to reach your own unique personal and professional goals and live your life to the fullest.

Success on the Run is a blog about success in key areas including personal, career, fitness, financial and spiritual aspects … and how to reach for and achieve success even with the time constraints of a busy life.

You will hear from me in this blog, and you’ll hear from other experts in the core areas as well. Together we will offer ideas in to rev up your run for success. (Think of this as a quick cup of high caf coffee for your mind!)

Thought for the day: If you could live your perfect life right now, what would it look like? And, if your life looks nothing like the perfect life you just imagined, how can you move toward that “new and improved version”?

You know it is impossible to create a picture of success for anyone other than your self. Success is personal. It is yours alone to define and enjoy. As the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Life success is like this as well. I may prefer a quiet home in the country while you think a loft apartment in a busy city is a dream of a lifetime.

Today, take time to think about your dreams and what success means to you. Going forward, we will continue to explore this concept to stay focused on the path in every way.

Welcome to Success on the Run!