Give and Get Rich

If you are not happy with your rewards in life—recognition, self-satisfaction, earnings—take a good, long look at your contributions. Look at the time you devote to whatever it is you do and the degree of excellence you achieve. Look at the knowledge you bring to your job and the number of people you serve.

There is a law involved in your ability to succeed and be highly rewarded. That law is not one of man’s but comes from a higher source. It’s always in effect and it always works—whether you want it to or not. One way or the other, all the organized religions on earth recognize the law. I’m sure you have heard about it. Many call it the "Golden Rule." The Bible defines it: "As ye sow, so shall ye reap." The question is, do you really believe it applies to you?

Earl Nightingale puts the application of this rule this way. He says, " We’ll get back, we must get back, exactly what we put into it—no more, no less. If we don’t like the rewards we’re receiving, we should examine our service, our contribution."

The law also works in reverse. If you do anything to harm or dis-serve others, your reward will be negative (even if you are not caught and formally punished). The prisons of the world are full of people who tried to make their own rules.

Many believe life is a zero sum game. To win, someone has to lose. This is as wrong as you can get. The way to riches is to provide a great many people with excellent and innovative products that uniquely serve their needs in an efficient manner.

When I am driving by a wealthy neighborhood with magnificent homes, I wonder what wonderful service each of the homeowners provided to deserve such a reward.

If it is a goal of yours to live is such a home, it is clear what you will be required to do. In short, give and get rich.