5 Easy Ways to Give This Holiday Season

Happy Holidays!

Typically this time of the year we are surrounded by family, food, and football. This Thanksgiving for a lot of families in at least the United States will be much different. A lot of the country is in lockdown, with some states even claiming they will be doing random “house checks” to make sure large parties aren’t congregating. News outlets and local governments have even encouraged neighbors to report violations of large congregating groups by their other neighbors.

This is the America we currently live in. It’s getting ridiculous.

Pandemic Continued

Before you get all upset and mad at me, realize this, my wife is a healthcare provider and I take all the necessary precautions. I wash my hands, wear my mask, and do all the recommended things, ok. So don’t get upset with me like I’m against this pandemic stuff, because I’m not. I just think that big government expecting all of us to NOT live our lives is pretty stupid. Especially the local governments asking their law enforcement to do door-to-door checks. Just ridiculous.

My List:

First and foremost, I didn’t write this article to talk a bunch of trash about the pandemic and COVID-19. I wrote it to talk about the 5 reasons why I give to others, because after-all, this time of year is about giving. Follow along, or don’t, but here are my 5 Easy Ways to give just like I do:

#1

I share my story via many methods. (Check my LinkedIn page for examples). And I share because many others haven’t had the journey i’ve had, and therefore won’t ever have the chance to learn the things i’ve learned. So I share. People also don’t have the voice that I do, so they don’t know who around them is actually in the same boat. I share because it opens up people to sharing their story too. And as a good American, I feel as if I should be part of the solution, not the problem.

Speaking of that, my book list is HERE, go check it out and get a book for someone who could use it this year.

#2

I give my time because there are others out there that need a voice. They need someone to talk to, or they need the confidence.

Some people are afraid to step out and be judged, and frankly, I don’t blame them for that. In this world today, with the million different social media platforms, judging has become profitable. Overnight it has created new celebrities and even destroyed entire empires. It’s powerful in its destructive capability. So, instead, I give my time to let others speak, share their story.

I’ve used Zoom and Facetime more this year than I have my entire life. Well worth it.

#3

I share my story because my story might influence someone, and let them know they aren’t alone, give them confidence, or give them hope. That’s powerful. With the stigmas today around mental health and medical attention, it’s important.

I’ve seen a lot more campaigns lately encouraging men to get treated not just for their medical issues, but their mental issues as well. In my life & career I’ve seen not only a counselor, but a chaplain many times. It’s kept me centered, balanced, and mentally healthy. No machismo about it.

Because I’ve been open about it, i’ve influenced other people to go. And hopefully they have influence other people to go, and so on and so forth. It’s a good domino effect.

I’m straight up just mentally stronger than the macho guys period. And always will be. Because I’m not afraid to say I’ve seen a shrink.

#4

It’s just that time of the year. It’s the time to be unselfish and give. So I ramp it up. Honestly, powerful leaders understand the importance of giving all the time, and don’t wait until a certain “month” or “campaign”. They just give because it’s the unselfish american thing to do, help your fellow neighbor. And with the year we’ve had, you might as well.

So I ramp it up this time of the year. I try to double my complimentary offerings. Yes, I give free stuff out.

I gave out 8 free bags of Black Rifle Coffee this year in November for Veterans Day. I did that because during November Black Rifle Coffee gives a bag if you buy a bag.

So I bought 8 bags, and they gave 8 bags to members deployed overseas. And then I gave my 8 bags away. That’s 16 bags of coffee given away for free, over $250 in free goodness.

It’s not as much as giving a check over to charity if I was a millionaire, but it’s a start. And If I used the excuse of not being a millionaire all the time, I would never do anything good. Instead, I chose to do what I can.

Pictured is my favorite brew.

Buy it here…COFFEE SAVES

#5

COVID-19, the pandemic, Coronavirus, Big Rona, and I heard someone call it “The Vid” the other day. It’s been a rough year for so many. I’ve known some people that have lost their jobs. Do you know what it’s like to lose your job during a pandemic and then not be able to go out job hunting?

That’s crazy. And depressing. And really, really unfortunate.

So I give. I’ve given over 30 complimentary (FREE), discovery calls for my leadership coaching business. People think it’s crazy, I say it’s the most genuine and perfect thing you can do. I’ve given to others so they instead became motivated instead of a statistic.

I’ve been described by those same people as “authentic”, “genuine”, “outstanding”, and even “heroic”. You know why? Because I gave a damn about them.

Some of them have gotten so motivated that they turned losing their job into being an entrepreneur. What?!!! That’s incredible.

I gave some free advice just the other day in the LinkedIn chat and a day later this person landed a job interview that they weren’t expecting. All because I spoke up about something I noticed on their website. It made their day.

How Are You Giving?

So my call to action is this…how are you giving?

What are you giving this year? There is still plenty of time left, so how are you utilizing it? I’m signing up clients for 2021, and making sure those conversations are had with the people who need it most. For free, on-the-house, to the ones who truly need it.