THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE GIVING IS TO STAY OPEN TO RECEIVING.
Let me let you in on a little secret…this law that we will discuss today is the most difficult for me to grasp and put into words. It is the most difficult one for me to put into practice in my own life, and I am going to attempt to explain it in a way that hopefully makes total sense so that it will not be as difficult for you to put into practice in your own lives. Here Goes…
In The Go Giver Book (Chapter 12) we find a discussion between Joe and Pindar. Joe is attempting to grasp The Law Of Receptivity. Pindar tells Joe to exhale for 30 seconds and Joe had to take a huge breath back in after just 12 seconds of exhaling. Pindar then tells him that it has been medically proven that it is healthier to exhale (Because Carbon Dioxide is being expelled) than it is to inhale (Because Oxygen is coming back in). Pindar then tells Joe it is healthier for your heart to relax (To push Blood through the body) than to contract and pull blood through the heart.
We have heard it said and have even read in the Bible (Acts 20:35) that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” These two examples above are exactly that, BUT there cannot be a giving without a receiving. All this is the natural result of Newton’s Third Law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Basically it is totally outrageous to try and give and NOT receive. This is not only foolish, it is arrogant and full of pride. The book shares a wonderful quote which says this, “Every giving can happen only because it is also receiving”…. I love that!
So what does all this have to do with a Real Estate / Business Blog? I am glad you asked…
First off, please do not read into what I am NOT saying….I am NOT saying, “What’s in it for me?” I am NOT saying, “I will GIVE this, as long as I GET that!” The concept here is to simply not stop the flow of the Law of Receptivity.
When you give to others (Your customers / clients) and they in-turn wish to do something for you, how do you respond? Do you refuse their gift? Do you say things like, “No thank you, I am just doing my job?” What would give you the right to refuse what someone else is trying to give to you, or in other words, deny their right to give?”
We naturally move forward in our career, or “up” in the organization or industry we are a part of because we accept what others are trying to do for us or give to us. For example, when I first entered the Real Estate industry, I became involved in the local association very quickly. I began on the MLS Committee where I gave the MLS Committee three years of continued service. In my third year, I was asked to be the MLS Chairman. Could I have refused? Sure! I could have only looked at the here and now and said to myself, “This is volunteer work, and this position to totally taking away from MY income. How can I do my own real estate business and make the money I want to make if I keep volunteering for the association and the MLS?” But I didn’t think that way. I graciously accepted.
What happened after that? The MLS Chairman addresses the Board Of Directors for the REALTOR® Association on a monthly basis. The Board of Directors witnessed how I handled that position and how I “Gave” back to the Industry and the Association. I was then nominated to be the Vice President of the The Board Of Directors. Once again, could I have refused?… of course I could have, BUT I stayed open to receiving because the receiving reward is not always instant. Sometimes, the rewards of your giving come way later. (i.e. – Being the REALTOR® of the year in 2018 for the Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS® – an honor and award that I will never forget)
Every position that I have humbly held has allowed me to receive back from the Industry! Whether it be the ability to travel to certain conventions or be involved in certain votes or educational experiences, I have been able to receive way more education and experience in this industry than I have ever put into it. Don’t get me wrong, I have given thousands of hours of my time to our industry, but I can certainly say without doubt that I have received way more in knowledge, experience, friendships, and compensation than I have ever given to the Industry.
That is just how this law works, whether I really grasp it or not.
Staying open to receiving can be difficult, especially if you feel like I have dozens of times…”Not deserving.” Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever felt like you were totally unqualified or not even worthy to be in a position that you were in? I believe that feeling is natural because it is easier for us to give than to receive. Pride can often times stand in our way of success, by not allowing ourselves to receive what others are giving back to us, for what we have given or poured into them.
Do yourself a huge favor, if someone leads you to water, bend down and take a drink. Don’t stop the flow. Stay open to receiving and you will find yourself in places you never thought you would be.
Until next time ~ MLT
