Many of us feel a strong desire to contribute to society or to do something meaningful for others.
But when you think carefully, if others also wish to make the world a better place, they need you to be happy and fulfilled as well.
Start by Giving to Yourself
To accomplish something significant, you need experience, knowledge, and capital.
This means the very first step is to give to yourself—without fear or guilt.
When you live in a constant survival mode, your brain cannot fully engage its prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for deep, complex thinking and creative problem-solving.
Only when you have some margin in your life does your true mental capacity unlock, allowing you to design better solutions and share them with others.
True Contribution Comes From a Fulfilled State
If you have never been given what you truly desire, can you honestly say you expect nothing in return when you try to help others?
Imagine a life where all your needs and desires have been met.
In that state, your wish to share joy with others would be genuine and come from the heart.
From Competition to Creation
Shift from a cycle of competition—where you fight to gain something and then give it away—
to a cycle of creation, where you first give to yourself, build abundance, and then naturally overflow to others.
This way, no one loses. Instead, your act of giving becomes part of a virtuous cycle that lifts everyone.
Conclusion
- Give to yourself first. Build a foundation of safety and abundance.
- Create space for deep thinking. True contribution starts when your brain is free from survival mode.
- Give from a full cup. When you are fulfilled, your giving is free of expectation and creates a positive ripple effect.
