Why Giving Helps You Succeed
Most people try hard to get things: money, possessions, or even fame. They think that the more they take from others, the closer they will be to their goals. But if your mindset is only “get, get, get,” reaching your dreams may take longer than it needs to. Research and experience suggest that giving, rather than taking, can be a better path to success.
Giving Your Time
One of the best ways to reach your goals is to give your time to help others who have what you want to learn. Even if you do not earn much money at first, the skills and knowledge you gain can become the foundation for your future success. Jim Rohn, an American motivational speaker, explained it well: “Success is not what you get, but who you become.” Tony Robbins understood this idea and worked for Jim Rohn to learn about success principles. Today, Robbins owns over 120 companies that make billions of dollars each year.
Giving More Value
Giving more value than what people expect can also help you succeed. When customers feel that they are getting more than what they paid for, they often return and tell others about the product or service. This builds a strong reputation and success for the business. A modern example is the “freemium” model used by companies like Zoom and Spotify. They offer a free basic version of their service so users can appreciate its quality and become loyal customers. Later, some users choose to upgrade to the paid version.
Gravity Payments: A Real-Life Example
In 2015, Dan Price, the CEO of Gravity Payments, decided to cut his own salary of $1.1 million and give every employee at least $70,000 per year. He wanted his staff to feel secure. Some critics called him crazy. But as of 2026, the company’s profits and revenues have grown, employees have started families and bought homes, and customers have remained loyal. This shows that giving can create real benefits for both people and organizations.
Research Supports Giving
Research in the workplace also shows the power of giving. According to professor Adam Grant, people can be “givers” or “takers.” Givers help others without expecting anything in return. They share knowledge, offer assistance, or make helpful connections. Takers try to use others for their own benefit while protecting their own knowledge and time. Over time, givers build stronger networks, trust, and win-win results. This helps both their personal success and the success of their organizations.
So, which are you: a giver or a taker? Think about your own experiences. Have you seen how giving can lead to better relationships, opportunities, and success? Giving is not just about helping others; it can also help you reach your dreams faster than just taking.
Written by Everett Ofori