A “Takers” mindset will only take you so far in life. Rather adopting a “Givers” mindset will flourish many aspects of life.
“High road leaders give more than they take” – John C Maxwell. This tiny quote packs a powerful punch of meaning.
What can you do to be a high-road leader? What actions can you put in place today to achieve a “Givers” mindset?
I will break down all it takes to have a “Givers” mindset, and my journey to achieve this goal of giving more than taking.
My Journey to an Givers Mindset.
While no-one is perfect at being a giver 100% of the time, it’s my goal to be super darn close.
Growing to appreciate the art of giving was a process that started all the way back in elementary school.
Every birthday, my mom had only 1 rule.
At every birthday party, rather than gifts being thrown at me. I was encouraged to pick a local non-profit and ask for donations. This produced many dog toys and cat treats for the local shelter every year.
While the average elementary student would whin about this rule ( I definitely did at first ). It soon transformed into a habit, to not only give back on my birthdays but to actively give to the people and communities around me.
While continuing to use my birthday parties as a donation drive. I naturally gravitated toward the most common form of giving, volunteering.
Little Nolan Crawford was poor in cash, but rich in time and energy.
This energy flowed into many avenues while in grade school.
- Assistant basketball coach for a boys & girls club team.
- Walked & Cleaned dogs at the local animal shelter (my mom went there every week, so why not tag along)
- Spent Christmas day volunteering with Red Andrew’s in OKC, serving hot meals to those in need.
- Participated in school clean-up events for local parks.
The giving mindset I developed in grade school was largely influenced by my mom and her interests, which created a unique bond in our relationship. After grade school, however, I had to discover my own approach to giving.
My personal approach to giving has evolved in two distinct ways during my first year of “real life.”
One of my earliest and most enduring acts of giving traces back to my first semester of college. I became involved with a non-profit coffee shop that employs individuals of all abilities, including those with IDD.
This act of giving led to many fun experiences and relationship.–like making 200 burritos for the University of Oklahoma football team. and bagging coffee for Bedré Chocolate. (Totally off-topic, but did you know caffeine, especially from coffee beans, can be absorbed through your skin?)
Flash forward to the now, I currently work for the same organization up in Midtown OKC as the Entrepreneur In Residence. I never expected a job offer, I guess the world gives back to the givers who lead with no expectations for receiving anything in return.
My Monumental Volunteer Trip to Thailand. (05/2024)
My 2nd, and most monumental act of giving, led me to the beautiful, culturally rich country of Thailand. This journey, which was composed of 24 other volunteers from around the U.S. & Australia, started in Chang Mai and led to Mueang Kong. GIVE Volunteers was the group that hosted this if you’re interested, give them a look.
In this 3 week stretch, the group taught English to grade school students in rural villages. and practiced permaculture on a local farm, with the goal of creating an sustainable farm for the small village.
While I’m unsure where my next volunteering act lies, I know it will soon show light. because all the great opportunities in my life come out of no where it seems.
P.s While these big acts of giving may feel fulfilling, the true joy comes from the daily interactions with others. The act of balancing the See-Saw is complicated but fulfilling if approached it from the right angle.
The See-Saw of your asks.
The timing of your asks and the response afterward directly correlate with which side of the See-Saw you are on.
“Wow, that guy only takes and never gives—he’s like a used car salesman, always trying to make a quick deal for himself.” This is how I describe people who are on the bottom of the see-saw, who ONLY take and never give.
On the flip side, you have your givers, these few individuals give with no intent of receiving anything.
“She’s a true giver—she’s always putting others first, offering help without hesitation, and asking for nothing in return.” This is the impression I get of a select group of people. These individuals are on the top of the see-saw, light on weight because they are giving rather than taking.
Where are you on the See-Saw? Are you high in the clouds, or low in the dirt?
Regardless, it’s never too late. Your true self will rise and transform over time—but it’s the initiative you take today that creates the results you want to see.
So how do you start?
How to Become a Giver TODAY
You’re either thinking “I don’t have enough money to donate” or “I’m tired and have no time”.
Both thoughts are fine, but don’t let them hold you back from pursuing your version of giving.
I’ll show you how to become a giver today. At the same time, I aim to lay out a long-term path to help you grow and fully embrace this mindset.
A key note to consider, there are multiple ways to give, such as;
- Time (Volunteering, Supporting Friends & Family)
- Knowledge (Mentorships, Coaching, Resources or Tutoring)
- Money (Donations, Food)
- Community (Board Committee)
Become a Giver TODAY:
To become a giver today, and shift your momentum, I recommend the following avenues for each of the above categories.
- Search for a local Animal Shelter to volunteer for. Or, hop in your car and deliver some meals to people in need through Meals on Wheels.
- Be an active mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters. are you more business-minded? Then be a mentor to an aspiring entrepreneur through Score
- Donate a comfortable amount of money or clothes to non-profit that contributes to a cause you find purpose in.
- Locate an active community group; advisory board, board committee, PTA. Apply all three of the above categories to this community to become a well-rounded giver.
Conclusion
A High Road life can only be achieved when you choose to be a giver rather than a taker.
“An fisherman taught the village to fish; the taker stole their catch. One built a legacy, the other built resentment.”
Who has been the biggest giver thus far in your life? and truly reflect on how life would be without that individual or group.
Write that giver you thought of, and thank them for all the knowledge and gifts they have sprinkled into your life thus far. Card > Email > Text
List all the buttery-good qualities of this individual, then reflect on how you can weave these traits into your own life. Use this as a step toward embracing the giver’s mindset you’ve always aspired to cultivate.
At This Point In Time:
Age: 20
Location: Oklahoma City
Job: Not Your Average Joe, Entrepreneur In Residence