Doing Good And Doing Well

Sharing the gifts you’ve been given is immensely gratifying.

We have a tendency to separate the world into for-profit and non-profit terms.  It’s easy to be confused and think that only people involved in non-profit activities are doing good work.  A deeper dive into the reality of the situation reveals a very different story.  While I would be the first to applaud the wonderful work done by countless non-profit organizations around the world, the good work they are doing does not only come from the non-profit arena.  Virtually all non-profit organizations are funded by corporations or individuals that have done well enough in the for-profit arena to be able to share some of their resources via non-profit efforts.

 

As a very young man, I did not understand this, and I confronted my mentor who was a multi-millionaire with my desire to do good work and help poor people.  His response impacted me then as it does today, “The best thing you can do for poor people is to not be one of them. Not all rich people help the poor, but no poor people are able to make a difference financially as wealthy people can.”  
 
Being a person of wealth comes with a tremendous responsibility to be a good steward of your resources.  Regardless of your means, a part of every dollar you have should be spent for your immediate needs, a part should be saved and invested for your future, and a part should be given to those in need.
 
When I was poor and had a desire to help the poor, there was little I could do other than volunteer my time.  Today, I can still volunteer my time and expertise, but I have also been able to help over 500 young people go to college, feed hungry people around the world, and donate a building for a local university.  Just last month, we were pleased to donate 1.5 million dollars to create the Stovall Center for Entrepreneurship which will allow college students to get a degree, create their own business, and be able to practice giving for themselves.  As a person of wealth today, I can honestly say that giving is the most fun you will ever have with money.  Beyond your basic needs, wants, and desires, acquiring more things is a hollow pursuit, but sharing the gifts you’ve been given is immensely gratifying.
 
If you are contemplating your life’s work, it is important to be committed to helping others whether you do it by working in a non-profit cause or by succeeding so you can support those who do. 
 
As you go through your day today, stay committed to doing well and to doing good.
 
Today’s the day!