Guilty

Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.

– Voltaire –

Wise words from François-Marie Arouet, also known as Voltaire. Initially this quote was about how ministers should rule France. Today, I use it to inspire friends and clients to contribute to good causes. Being honest, I also apply it to myself. What can we do today to do good for someone else? It may be something big or small. What good did you do lately? What’s your excuse for not doing it everyday?

I am dedicating a percentage of my time to charities, like “Go Bananas“. On top of that I am giving away a percentage of my profit to local charities of the countries I visit to deliver speeches, trainings or seminars. For my trip to New Zealand, I am talking to volunteers of a Maori village. I’ll visit them and besides providing resources will discuss with my team what we can do to help them even more.  Get in touch if you want to contribute too 🙂

Of course, it’s easy to give away when you have plenty, but even when you have little it’s important to do good and help others too, even if that means sharing with others. A lot of people have excuses for not sharing with the needed. This is where my quote fits in : “By letting go and through effective giving, we get whatever we want”.

The thing is, can you afford not to give to others? What happens if you don’t do your part? What impact does it have on their lives? Did I tell you not to take yourself so seriously?

So, instead of focusing on myself, I now look at what it is I can do to help others. Not just by giving absurdly, but also by always looking for doing things better, so there is more to give away. If I settle for mediocracy, I am guilty of not creating enough wealth and good for others, denying them of a better life. By stepping up and playing my game at a higher level, the world becomes a better place. Everyone can make a difference! The question is: are you up for it? Or are you guilty?

Give absurdly, start today,

Bert Verdonck
Lifehacker & Life Coach