The Benefits and Complexities of Giving
Why Helping Others Is Good for You
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Giving often involves effort—be it time, finances, or emotional energy. Recently, I shared a personal belief with my husband: if contributing a bit more in taxes could ensure every home in America had guaranteed heating and air conditioning, I would gladly do so. His response reflected a common skepticism: “You’d never get everyone to agree. Some people simply don’t believe in giving.” This exchange highlighted the varied beliefs and values surrounding charity—a concept that is both celebrated and, at times, met with reluctance.
For some, charity is deeply ingrained, whether through religious traditions or a sense of social responsibility, or even philanthropy embraced by the ultra-wealthy. Yet, not everyone feels compelled to give, and even among givers, the motivations and experiences vary significantly. While the benefits of generosity are well-documented, the complexities of giving reveal a less straightforward narrative.
In a society that often prioritizes individual success, the act of giving can seem counterintuitive. Even in coaching relationships, which typically focus on personal growth, the value of contribution can be overlooked. Be honest, when was the last time your client wanted to discuss their views and plans for contribution? It’s not that common. Despite its infrequent appearance in such contexts, numerous studies suggest that authentic generosity enriches not only the recipients but also the givers themselves.
The Positive Impact of Giving
Engaging in acts of kindness can significantly enhance mental health. Research shows that generosity activates brain regions linked to pleasure, releasing endorphins and promoting happiness and satisfaction. This so-called “helper’s high” reduces stress and anxiety, fostering a more positive and balanced mood.
Giving also boosts self-esteem in powerful ways. When individuals contribute to charitable acts, they often feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. Witnessing the tangible impact of their efforts reinforces their ability to make a difference, building confidence and personal value. Positive feedback from recipients further nurtures a sense of belonging, authenticity, and a positive self-image.
When aligned with core values—such as compassion and kindness—acts of generosity bolster a deeper sense of purpose and integrity. The process of giving also offers opportunities to develop valuable skills, such as leadership, mentoring, or event organization, fostering growth and reinforcing feelings of competence and self-efficacy.
Strengthening social connections is another vital benefit of giving. Generosity deepens relationships, providing mutual support and enhancing one’s sense of community. By focusing on others’ needs, individuals often gain perspective, cultivating gratitude and fostering a more optimistic outlook on life.
Remarkably, the benefits of giving extend beyond mental and emotional well-being to physical health. Altruistic behaviors have been linked to improved heart health, lower blood pressure, and even greater longevity. Acts of kindness can reduce stress, encourage healthier choices, and contribute to better overall health.
Finally, generosity inspires a ripple effect. When people witness acts of kindness, they are often motivated to “pay it forward,” creating a culture of compassion and collaboration within communities.
The Dark Side of Giving
While giving often brings joy and connection, it’s important to recognize that not all forms of generosity lead to positive outcomes. For some, the pressure to give arises from societal expectations, cultural norms, or a desire to maintain a “giver persona” rather than genuine personal conviction. When this happens, giving can shift from being a meaningful choice to a burdensome obligation, often leading to feelings of resentment, fatigue, or burnout.
When generosity stems from external pressures rather than internal motivations, it can deplete emotional reserves and erode happiness. For instance, individuals who feel compelled to give due to family obligations or cultural expectations may find themselves trapped in a cycle of stress and frustration, diminishing their sense of well-being.
Authenticity plays a vital role in navigating these challenges. Being attuned to one’s emotions, values, and intentions is key to ensuring that giving remains fulfilling. Reflecting on questions such as How does this make me feel? or Am I giving because it aligns with my values, or am I acting out of guilt or obligation? can help clarify motivations and foster a sense of purpose.
Setting boundaries is also essential. Saying no when giving feels inauthentic or detrimental to one’s emotional health is an act of self-care, not selfishness. True generosity should come from a place of joy and alignment, not from guilt or pressure.
A Holistic Approach to Giving
When individuals give in alignment with their core values, the rewards are transformative. Authentic generosity fosters personal growth, strengthens relationships, and enhances both mental and physical health.
Coaches and mentors play a vital role in this process by helping individuals explore their motivations, identify belief roadblocks, and reconnect with their values. Through thoughtful guidance, they can empower clients to approach generosity with intention and purpose, ensuring that their contributions become lasting sources of strength and connection rather than stress or obligation.
True generosity is not about appearances or meeting expectations. It’s about creating meaningful connections, reflecting on personal values, and making contributions that feel both authentic and impactful. Striking this balance enables individuals to sustain their generosity over time, creating a ripple effect that uplifts both themselves and those around them.
At the Global Coaches Coalition, we deeply value the importance of giving in alignment with our mission. As we formed our community, we committed to becoming thoughtful and responsible giving partners for our chosen causes. This commitment required careful reflection and intentional planning to ensure our contributions would be sustainable, impactful, and true to our values.
By understanding and practicing thoughtful giving, individuals can unlock its transformative power—creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved.
So, have you reflected on your feelings and emotions about giving in general? How can you contribute in a way that aligns with your beliefs and strengthens both your community and yourself? Have you considered your plans to give this year?
Here are a couple of options to get you thinking:
Consider giving to The Coach Initiative and the stellar work they do bringing coaching to the world’s non-profit organizations. Changing the world one cause at a time - through coaching! Visit: www.theCoachinitiative.org
Considering joining the upcoming GCC Peer and Mentor Coaching Group. Bring your coaching talents to the service of coaches and peers who need you, by simply joining the “Peer and Mentor Coaching Exchange” group at the GCC.
References
The insights presented in this article were inspired by the following works, which provide valuable perspectives on the themes of giving and generosity. They are listed here for further study and reflection:
Luks, A. (1988, October). Helper’s high: Volunteering makes people feel good, physically and emotionally.Psychology Today, 22(10), 34–42.
Hamilton, D. R. (2017, February 7). The Five Side Effects of Kindness. Hay House UK.
Post, S. G. (2005). Altruism, happiness, and health: It’s good to be good. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12(2), 66–77.
Trzeciak, S., & Mazzarelli, A. (2022, June 21). Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways That Serving Others Is the Best Medicine for Yourself. St. Martin's Essentials.
Grant, A. (2014, March 25).Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success.Penguin Books.
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