For a long time, we thought there was just one goal in life: to be happy.
Right? Why would you go through all of this agony and suffering if you didn’t have to? It’s to find a method to be happy in some way.
And we weren’t the only ones who thought so. In fact, if you glance around, you’ll notice that most individuals are attempting to achieve happiness in their lives.
That’s why we buy things we don’t need in bulk, sleep with people we don’t like, and work so hard to gain the approval of people we don’t like.
Happiness is the wrong goal to aim for. If you want to discover purpose in your life, you should aim towards usefulness. This transformative approach has transformed the way I work and pursue success in all aspects of my life. If you regularly use it, it has the potential to revolutionize not only your profession but also your life.
One of the keys to living a happy life is to create value. We’re not sure about you, but I’m most content when I’m in the “flow” of creating and sharing value.
Holidays, shopping, buying a car or a house, and even planning for expected emergencies are all activities and experiences that are primarily focused on ourselves. They aren’t always terrible, but they don’t ensure happiness. We pursue them in order to survive and thrive as a species. Purpose, meaning, and fulfillment go beyond what we consume, want, or even most of what we require.
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather a man of value,” Albert Einstein observed, and he was correct.
What you contribute defines your life.
You have a sense of purpose when you offer or provide value to others. And, guess what? Living a life with a purpose makes you happier. “Convincing proof to support the anecdotal evidence that giving is a powerful pathway to personal growth and lasting happiness,” according to scientific studies.
Winston Churchill says, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
Adam Grant concurs. “The more I assist out, the more successful I am,” he said in his book Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success. But we always know the essence of success by looking at others who have achieved it in one way or the other.
So what is life all about?
“If you desire happiness for an hour, take a nap,” says a Chinese proverb. Go fishing if you want to be happy for a day. If you want a year of bliss, inherit a fortune. Help someone if you want to be happy for the rest of your life.”
Giving your best self without holding back is the key to great success and happiness in life. Trying your hardest to make a difference in someone’s life, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and expressing thanks. It’s also about encouraging others, inspiring others, creating something of value for others, sharing things you find valuable, and becoming a better human to those you care about.
Here is what you can do
The good news is that you don’t have to change the world or do anything monumental to make it worthwhile. You don’t even have to think about what you’re supposed to do. Simply make someone’s life a little easier. The more you can do, give, care for, or provide value for others, the more likely you are to discover purpose, meaning, and happiness—all of the things we all seek but find so difficult to achieve.
Life gives a platform for accumulating a diverse set of experiences. Being a valuable person can provide purpose to your life. One of the most effective methods to improve the quality of your life is to become a person of value. If you learn this skill or adopt this perspective, your life will be transformed.
Creating and providing value has a three-fold payoff. It doesn’t stop there; it’s also one of the most effective methods for self-improvement and motivation.
How to be of service to others
“Lighting a lantern for someone else will help light your way.”— Buddha
People who are kind, give more than they receive, and sincerely try to help others have a better chance of succeeding. Here are some ideas for how you might continue to help others.
Expand on others’ ideas rather than limiting them:
The simplest method to assist others is to build on their ideas. We usually respond with a “no” or “yes” mentality, dismissing other people’s opinions.
5-minute favors to practice:
5-minute favors, popularized by serial entrepreneur Adam Rifkin, are simple but powerful favors that take little effort. Consider all of the ways in which you may assist others. I’m fine with making an introduction, offering a LinkedIn recommendation, providing comments, or giving fast counsel if it takes less than 5 minutes.
Be a good listener:
Most people don’t require assistance; all they want is for someone to pay attention to them. Speaking aloud allows for more clarity and perspective. Unfortunately, most individuals aren’t interested in listening; instead, they want to impart their wise words.
Be a positive influence:
Your words and mindset have a big impact on your relationships, so use them wisely. Practice giving and encourage others to do the same.
Offer your services without expecting anything in return:
Your time is priceless, therefore give it out without expecting anything in return. Non-profits, individuals, and businesses that are just getting started require your assistance more than those who can afford it.
Mentor others:
You have the power to make a difference in someone else’s life. Mentoring is a form of empathy in which you experience the world through the eyes of someone who is significantly different from you. Mentoring transforms both parties, whether you’re mentoring someone who’s just starting or a seasoned professional searching for a change.
Final Verdict
Life has no meaning until we find it as we travel.
There are plenty of Givers and Takers in the world. Some people enjoy contributing, while others prefer to focus on themselves. Our Karma is shaped by the side we select.
Find meaning in being useful — relish the opportunity to give without expecting anything in return.
