Give, Give, and Give Again

This post originally appeared on the John Maxwell Team blog.

Recently, my wife Sally and I celebrated 32 years of marriage. Time flies. It’s amazing how the clock of life keeps ticking by so fast. Throughout the past 32 years, we have had times of great joy, successes, challenges, despair, peace, and love. Today, we are not only husband and wife, but also parents and grandparents.

I remember when my Pastor, Harold Owen, who was conducting our marriage ceremony turned and with total sincerity looked me in the eye and said, “Tony, some people think that being married is about give and take. It’s not. It is about give, give, and give again.”

Wow! That message settled deeply in my heart and has profoundly made a difference for Sally and I for 32 years. In the midst of the rough patches, I still remember that moment of advice as if I heard it yesterday. “It is about give, give, and give again.” It truly helped me to enter into marriage and live through this journey with a giving attitude.

Have you ever been given a piece of advice that changed your life for the better? Have anyone ever given you counsel that was not just a quote, but something that you have been able to build your life upon?

I am reminded of one of my mentors, John Maxwell, and how he highlights the importance of reflection. He teaches that reflection is not just about going back or trying to live in the past, but rather learning from the past – asking yourself, how can I grow from what I have experienced?

I am increasingly taking time to reflect upon the great trainings I have received. I find this is key for my continual growth. Taking time to reflect upon good advice and life’s lessons enables us to see the opportunities that life has to offer. When we do this it really does help us to tap into our potential. Reflect and take action. We are not always coachable but when we are more open to being coached, the more we can expect to grow.

So today, why not take some time out for reflection? Maybe there have been some strong words of counsel or encouraging words of wisdom that you’ve received but have not acted upon… yet.

In life, there are givers and takers. Are there areas in your life where you could step up your giving? Remember, it’s not about what others can do for us, rather, as my pastor said to me, “It’s about give, give, give and give again.” These wise words aren’t just useful for marriage but are also applicable to our everyday lives.

Whether you’re part of the John Maxwell Team or not, I encourage you to look at ways you can become a “Master” at giving. Give people your very best when it comes to serving them personally or professionally.

As you give your very best you will model something special to those around you. As you become a great giver you will become a “Master” at connecting with others just as John Maxwell highlights in his book Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.

To give your very best is a choice. Don’t just do it for the special occasions; cultivate a life of giving and then… give again.

About Tony

Tony Lynch is an International Business Development Trainer and Coach with more than 30 years of experience helping entrepreneurs, managers, leaders and sales professionals create a competitive advantage in today’s crowded marketplace.

Tony has spoken in multiple countries, is a TEDx speaker, as well as being featured by INC in ‘100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference.’

As a competent motivational trainer he helps his clients to have a winning strategy to enjoy greater influence, impact and income. Tony serves on the President Advisory Council for The John Maxwell Team as well as being a Peer Teaching Partner. He also serves as the Chairman on the Simulcast Advisory Council for The John Maxwell Company as well as being part of the Global Leaders Alliance.

You can learn more about Tony here.