We all have our unique quirks, goals and wants. Our life becomes the things we choose to pay attention to. However, we do not need to be limited by just these things: we can synergize with others.

The better we get at this synergizing the more all of will receive. This is called super productivity the sum of the parts is more than just the sum of the parts.

1+1=>2

Actually the global economy is based partly on division of labor and the law of comparative advantage. It’s at a bigger scale the way we organize and divide the work.

In smaller scale, like with small groups that are more understandable it’s about identifying and using our strengths to create the most value for the group. Writer and someone who can draw can make more impactful presentation for example.

In professional life a good measuring stick of value is Money.

Alternative measuring sticks could be social value for example likes on Instagram or retweets on Twitter.

Frame your life as opportunity to add value. You, your life and opportunities to Benefit others.

It’s from what you can give, add and create to the world that people will give eventually in time back unto you. Seek first to understand and benefit others, it’s nothing away from you. In fact giving first makes you happy.

A word of warning thought, although I say give first, I do not mean to give at any price. Make sure to fulfill your own glass first.

Be happy first with who you are and what you have. I start the days with Meditation to remind myself of this and only after the meditation I remember the life as an incredible opportunity to give away from my surplus. Still taking care of myself comes always first of all. I’ve a strong want and tendency to give and therefore if I ever catch myself of giving too much, I’ve a rule for myself to stop and take care of myself first. Caring comes in many tiny forms such as exercising enough, forgiving and loving myself (mantras), nutrition and rest.

For myself I am content with small things and in fact I try to regularly challenge myself to do with less luxuries and comforts of everyday life. This is why as habits I do not have ones like coffee or even tea.

We do not have to be perfect: what matters is trying to do a small wise decisions every day and those will stack up. As an example: try to give up one coffee, soda or a beer a week and put that money to work for something meaningful. You could either save and invest the money, or then donate it directly to a cause that you believe in. I do the combination of both, as I really believe the education to be one of the most critical things in life, I donate every month to Khan Academy.

Once we are satisfied with ourselves and we start to know ourselves, it’s just our imagination that limits our creation and giving. As example I enjoy learning, reflecting and therefore writing is a flexible media for me to share my thoughts and what I’ve learned. However, I do not limit myself there: there are still videos, pictures and talks still for me to do just the same.

Important notice for anyone who gets excited to help: We cannot really help others as long as we are ourselves confused or distressed. This sentence includes most of us in most of the days. This is the reason why I start with meditation that I’ve found to be helpful for me. Mostly we should help ourselves first, because otherwise we will end up doing more harm than good.

With these important lessons in mind, start with yourself, be happy first and then start to share you happiness.

Have a good one!

Janne