We tend to keep score of favors. If I do this for you, I expect a favor back some time in the future. If the favor never is returned, we get frustrated. Thinking to ourselves that person is really selfish, never returning the favor.
But that person might never be in a position to help you. Never be able to return the favor. Should that stop you from helping out? When you know that you’ll never be repaid for your troubles, should you say sorry, I can’t help you out?
What if we instead stopped keeping score? What if we helped other people out when we could? Whenever it was within our realm of possibility. What would happen?
If you try to help whenever you are in a position to do so, you’ll be rewarded greatly in the long run. But that’s not the main reason for helping out. The main reason is that it’s the right thing to do. It adds meaning to your life. Whenever someone solves a problem where you helped them out somehow, it gives you great satisfaction that you contributed to that success. Not that you need to shout it from the rooftops. Just knowing for yourself that you had a part in it is reward enough.
Try to say yes as often as possible. It adds richness to your life and makes you a better person. But don’t let others take advantage of you. You need to know where to draw the line.
Don’t be afraid to ask others for favors when you need to. If you don’t feel comfortable asking, ask anyway. Step out of your comfort zone and just ask. The worst thing that can happen is that they’ll say no. But the more likely scenario is that they can actually help you out. Or refer you to someone else that might be able to do so.
Help out when you can. Ask for help when you need to. Stop keeping score of favors. In doing so, you’ll create a friendly environment where everyone prospers. Everyone benefits and no one is taking advantage.
Who can you help today?
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