What if being rich has far more to do with your heart than your wallet? That’s the question Matt Ham asks through his blog, podcast, and new book, Redefine RICH. Matt is dedicated to guiding others toward rich living. His own experiences have led him to the understanding and freedom of a rich life, and through his RICH Principles he helps folks uncover true richness, identifying real treasure and discovering true joy and contentment. Matt share’s a powerful lesson in today’s guest post.
Deep down, I’m selfish. And you are too. You can call it being ambitious or you can call it being goal-oriented, but I promise you that—somewhere within—those feelings are hidden within the guise of selfishness.
Now, I’m not writing this from a position of condemnation, I’m guilty too. Rather, I’m writing from a position of warning and, possibly, encouragement.
Why?
Because I believe that wrestling this deceptive, selfish demon is necessary in embracing fullness in every aspect of your life.
The Oprah Factor
I never saw this truth more apparent than when I was publishing my first book. Honestly, it’s painful to admit, but at times, there was an inclination within me to fantasize about the fame and stardom that awaited as soon as I said, “Ship.”
Friends would joking say, “So when are you going on Oprah?”
That would immediately be followed by thoughts of reaching out to her as the little voice whispered, this stuff belongs on Oprah.
These selfish thoughts caused me to glamorize the spotlight and left me longing for more, my thirst for my own glory left unquenched. The more I fed it, the more its appetite grew.
As I wrestled this truth, I saw that it was apparent in other aspects of my life as well.
If my kids are well behaved, it will be easier on me.
If I sell more widgets, my commissions will be higher.
If I write the right words, maybe my post will go viral.
When those motives are pursued, we have a tendency to check sales and statistics, email customers, and promote our material based solely on the thought: what’s in it for me.
Like a two-headed monster within our minds, this predisposition fights with our passion. The passion to help others and add value is real. But if we aren’t careful, that passion will be covered up by the need for recognition.
What we really want is to live with passion and purpose and inspire that in others, but when the opportunity presents itself, we settle for popularity instead.
Popularity is not the answer
Popularity is a poor substitute for, well, anything.
The inherent problem is that our culture has taught us to validate our worth based on the size of our audience. Or wallet. Or company. Or how well-behaved our kids are. Or the number of sales. Or…
I think it’s time we stopped believing those lies.
So, what’s the answer?
I’m not completely sure. I’m great at asking questions, but I don’t like to suppose that I’m one to provide answers. Instead, I’ll attempt to add perspective.
Change whose world?
I think the answer lies somewhere within our willingness to begin to see our roles differently, to shift our point of view.
When the angry dragon of selfishness creeps in, we need to remind ourselves: the work we do is not for our own gain. Its purpose is the service we provide to others. What it does for us is a byproduct of its purpose.
Whether you’re the President of the United States or the mom cleaning up after her kids or the receptionist or the guy taking out the trash, find purpose in your service to those you’ve been entrusted with.
Your life, then, becomes an outpouring of gratitude for that opportunity.
The point is, you’re not a world-changer when you change your world. You become a world-changer by changing the world for others. One relationship at a time.
Quote
You’re not a world-changer when you change YOUR world. Only when you change OTHERS’ worlds.
When you learn to embrace that with confidence, any relative success is a byproduct.
And, truthfully, if you live with that level of conviction and passion, there will be loads of it.
What’s one thing that you can do to change someone else’s world today?
Questions?
Text me anytime at (260) 217-4619.
Or…check out some of my free reports to help you get on the right track:
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I try to make a difference in my student’s lives every day. #ServantLeader
Keep it up brother!
Thanks Matt! This is a message that we all need to hear and reminder to be grateful for the opportunity to touch and change the world through our lives.
Unfortunately, it’s one often overlooked. I’m just doing my part to bring it back into the conversation. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for sharing this Matt! It makes me imagine the change in the world that could take place if I just shifted my attention off me and put it on others. A simple genuine smile could change someone’s life today.
It’s a daily battle, isn’t it, Aaron? The 2nd principle in the book is “Invest in Others” and we go into that practicality in detail. I love seeing people live that out.
Amen! @MattHamSr:disqus and I talk a lot about that in my interview with him, coming up in February!
Show up, and be present.
I’m not selfish, I just want more. ; ) But seriously, I want to help people let go. I want them to let go of stuff, of harbored resentment, of fear. of anything that holds them back. That’s what I strive for. That’s what I want for others.
That’s great to express that in written form too, Dan. It forces clarity for you AND them!
Matt Ham – Matt McWilliams – awesome post – I couldn’t agree more. The amazing thing is, I posted on the exact same subject today! My mission is to bring real success into the lives of millions of Entrepreneurs and Wantrepreneurs. It’s that purpose that fires me up and powers me forward.
When I was thinking about what I wanted out of it, I got practically nothing done. Now I think about what everyone else needs to get out of it – and I feel almost unstoppable.
I love that shift in perspective, Rick. Thanks for pouring into others.
I agree with @MattHamSr:disqus – well done Rick!
Something we can always do more of is to listen to someone else, not just listen but truly hear them. Encourage them to be brave enough to share their story, their passion, their heart. Especially on days when they need a little extra of that. Great post Matt!
Thanks Camilla. Yes, encouragement!