Never Underestimate the Rewards of Being Generous

It all started when Ayse (Eye-Shay) Birsel inspired Marshall Goldsmith to pay it forward by teaching 25 people everything he knows—a treasure chest of insights—for free.

One thing led to another, and 100 Coaches is now about (yikes!) 350 coaches, leaders, authors and other generous souls. I am blessed beyond words to be part of this incredible group.

Marshall is still teaching us everything he knows for free, and he is a compassionate and gifted teacher. Among other things, he has taught me that:

• Each one of us—this includes you—has the capacity to do what Marshall is doing. We can be generous with our talents and give of ourselves in ways that are more impactful than we ever previously imagined.
• The time to be generous, warm and compassionate is now. Not next year. Not someday. Now.
• When you open your heart to the world, you attract incredible people. In this regard, Marshall has vividly demonstrated what it means to open your heart. He wants to improve the lives of the people he touches, and thus he offers gifts of insight without obligation or expectations; he is incredibly supportive, but quick to offer frank feedback when he sees you turn in a counterproductive direction; he literally gives away his intellectual property for free. To put this more simply: he gives and gives and gives.
• If you want to be fulfilled, then go out today and earn that feeling of fulfillment. Then do it again tomorrow.
• No matter what mistakes you have made in the past, with every breath you take, you are a different person. Every new moment brings a new opportunity to be the person you want to be.

Throughout most of my life, I have tended to have a very narrow circle of a few close friends. This weekend made me realize the degree to which Marshall has changed my life. I now count so many of these extraordinary souls as friends, and the richness of my life has expanded immeasurably.

But most of all, I have learned that generosity is a superpower we all can possess.

***

In addition to Marshall, I want to thank Bill Carrier (Executive Director, Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches) as well as Scott Osman and Jacquelyn Lane who lead the 100 Coaches Agency

Greg Jones, President of Belmont University, also modeled the practice of generosity by hosting our gathering at the spectacular Fisher Center for Performing Arts.

P.S. If you want to be able to say "I knew her when she was just starting out," you might want to connect with young songwriter Emily Falvey, a recent Belmont graduate who has already established herself as a professional songwriter.

I am a?co-creator?who partners with entrepreneurs, consultants and coaches to help develop and share your best ideas.