Givers and Takers

There are givers and then there are takers. What are you? You would like to think that the majority of people are givers but that is not exactly true. Let’s just say that we have more takers in this world than we do givers. I am not saying that a person always needs to be a giver but it’s not right for anyone person to constantly be the taker.

When you do something for someone you should be doing it because you want to not for something in return. Over the years I have found that more and more people want something in return for their kindness. For example; if you mow your neighbor’s yard, shovel the snow off their driveway, rake up leaves are you doing it because you feel they need the help or because you want them to do something for you. I would hope because you wanted to do something nice for someone.

Last year when the snow was three foot deep several of our neighbors, my wife and I were out helping each other to remove the snow. None of us was expecting something from the other for helping out one another it was just an act of kindness. It’s nice to know that others actions are just as your own and not expecting something from you in return. It’s a shame that more people couldn’t conform to doing for others just as a mere act of kindheartedness.

Takers are like a poison that will emotionally drain you when you’re around them. If you are around them long enough their negative attitude will eat at you. A taker is generally not a happy person unless someone is giving them something. They are what most would consider a dream executioner. Most of the times they don’t even say show gratitude you for what they receive. They are just waiting for the next moment that they can get you to give into their demands of whatever it is they need.

Givers are people who do for others. They show their appreciation for the things that people do for them. Givers take responsibility for their actions. They don’t blame or criticize others for their imperfections. Being a giver means owning up to what you do in life. Givers are takers as well for the fact they do take accountability for what they do.

It’s important to be a giver and a taker as well in your personal and professional lives. Take the initiative to be both and you will be productive at work and anything else you do in your life.