I was inspired by the story of international author and speaker
Robert G. Allen who spoke in Kuala Lumpur recently about
“Giving First Instead of Receiving.” In his speech, Allen shared
a personal story of how he used to be a person who was always
asking and receiving, and giving was the last option with whatever
is left after spending. One day, after life-threatening accident,
his life went through a drastic change, followed by massive financial
losses. Struggling to get back on his feet, his spiritual master advised
him to do something different with his life.
Now instead of asking and receiving, he started giving a portion of his
income immediately before spending. Soon he noticed his life began
to change, with more money coming his way, when he started giving
regularly.
Finally he came to realise the power of Giving First, and concludes
that the top three greatest work on earth is to:
Help, Love and Teach more people, to make this world a better place.
Indeed this is the same belief, principle, and driving force behind many
successful entrepreneurs and businessmen today, including the founders
of B1G1 (Buy One Give One) Masami Sato who started a
transaction-based giving movement to create more connection and
contribution in the world.
Today’s society and education mainly focuses on subject related to
savings and spending, but not sharing, which I feel is what our society
lacks today. I think with a little bit more sharing and caring will make
this world a better place.
For the students, I believe that by showing them care and love, we can
nurture and mould them to become better people with a positive mindset,
behaviour and attitude towards life, which they can carry forward to the
future with the same “Giving First instead of Receiving” philosophy to
transform lives.
Thank you.
