Givers vs.Takers

Have you noticed that the response to the downturn by some people is to become a hoarder? Some people hoard their wealth, their contacts, their compliments and everything else like a squirrel hoarding nuts before winter sets in.

Hoarding is a very natural defensive behavior to an expected period of shortage.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are people who have stepped up their sharing and giving to others. These people approach life, even in a downturn, with a philosophy that the world is abundant and prosperity comes to those who open themselves up to the world.

These people are givers, and are in sharp contrast to those who are takers in life. Givers share their contacts, their time, their expertise and even their money with others. They do so with a philosophy that was best summed up, for me, many years ago by Zig Ziglar:

"You can get whatever you want in life, if you will just help enough others get what they want."

I am so blessed to be surrounded by givers. They nourish me in so many ways. And, I am so grateful for their presence in my life. This is not by accident...for I walk through life with Zig Ziglar's sage advice top of mind.

Of course, we all want to be viewed as more like givers, than like takers. But, what are you? What would an honest friend say about you? What does the composition of your circle of relationships say about what you are?

Like in good times, I believe that prosperity will primarily flow to the givers, even in these tough times.

The choice of what you are is up to you.