“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because the world needs people who have come alive.”
-Howard Thurman
Many of us have been taught to fear or even dislike money. We think we shouldn’t want it, or we shouldn’t want the things that money can bring into our lives.
We often approach the issue of money from a sense of lack. Whether it’s conscious or not, we project into the world an aura of, “What can I get? How much can I get?”
You might have felt this feeling before. It’s an energy of scrappiness, and it’s the reason people buy things when they’re on sale even when they really don’t want or need them.
When we look for what we can “get,” we’re coming from a place of lack.
On the other hand, when we come from a place of abundance, when we ask ourselves, “How can I serve? How can I contribute?” our relationship with and experience of money will be quite different.
Recognize Your Own Value
The first step toward coming from a place of service is to recognize that, yes, there are things each of us can do to serve others and make a valuable contribution to the world. The willingness to stand in that knowledge is a big part of welcoming more money into your life.
When you recognize your value, and come from a place of service – that is, when you offer your services with a healthy ability to receive money in return – you’re operating from a space of abundance.
There are some people who approach the idea of service from a sense of lack. When that happens, the feeling is that all they can do is give, give, give, and they become exhausted.
I’ve heard people talk about how Mother Theresa, although she did not have money herself, was a wonderful businesswoman: she inspired many people all over the world to give great donations to her charitable causes. She had the ability to receive as well as a great capacity to give.
The Spiritual Art of Giving and Receiving
Imagine sitting on the beach and watching the waves roll in. They crash on the sand and gently recede back into the water. The balance is striking. If the waves only came in, the beach couldn’t be healthy. And if the waves only went out, the whole ecosystem would collapse.
It’s the flow in and out that creates sustainability.
In the same way, when you approach your business from a place of service, you’ll be able to make more money. And to truly come from a place of service, we have to know what our power is. We must understand our value and have the ability to stand in that value.
You May Need to Hone Your Gifts
Did you just catch yourself thinking, “I don’t have anything to give, there’s nothing really special about me”? If so, I’m glad you caught yourself! The truth is that everyone has special gifts and talents. Everyone has something to give; it’s possible that what you have to give needs to be refined and honed, but you still have something to give.
Think of the naturally talented athlete who realizes that swimming is her gift. She practices. She works with coaches who teach her to bring out her best. When we watch her dive into the water, we’re impressed and inspired.
Or think of the scientist who realizes that science is her great gift. She studies and experiments and works with people who collaborate with her. Together they push each other and create something that will change the world for the better.
So, if you caught yourself feeling unsure about whether you have something wonderful to contribute, consider that it may require a little time, a little nurturing, and a little sustained effort. But rest assured, when you come from a place of service and open yourself up to receive, you will increase the amount of money that can flow into your life.
This fall I am offering a new program called the Wealth School that is specifically created for business owners who wish to step into a greater flow of income. Would you like to join us? Click HERE to learn more.
