Hey there it’s Chris, this post is gonna be pretty short.. check it out…
The majority of my income today comes because I helped people out in the past… in all honesty, this isn’t my nature… well maybe it’s my True Nature… but it definitely ain’t the nature of my ego… which seems to run the show a lot of the times
Seriously, I was one selfish SOB for the first 30 years of my life… but over the years I’ve learned a few things and prefer happiness over misery… success over failure… wealth over poverty… so giving is a no brainer these days… without it I wouldn’t be where I am
I’m not trying to sound like I’m some altruistic dude and that butterflies fly out of my butt or anything like that… cuz trust me, I can still be pretty damned selfish… I just think I’m fortunate enough to have learned a lesson that took 30 years and has made the last 8 years pretty damn good
My buddy Steve Hochman is one of the best givers I know… and it’s made him a very happy and successful man
Craig Ballantyne is a giving dude… in fact he sent me a book called “The Go-Giver”
Most happy people are givers… as are most successful people ( I’m talking about true balanced success)
There’s a simple little quote that changed my life years ago…
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” - Albert Schweitzer
Check it… do me a huge favor… go do something to help someone right now and then leave a comment letting me know what you did… and if you don’t have time to do it at this exact moment, commit to doing it today, and let me know what it is you’re gonna do.
You could…
Call someone you haven’t called in along time and tell them how awesome they are and how much their friendship means to you
Donate a little money to a good cause ( one of my favorites is The International Justice Mission… they help save a ton of little kids every year all over the world from sexual slavery)
Call your mom and tell her how much you love her
Call and old client who had to stop for financial reasons and offer to train em’ in your groups for free
Give 20 bucks to the homeless dude on the corner
By a random gift card for friend and send it anonymously
???… there’s so much you can do, and a few minutes of your time or a few dollars can make such a difference in someone elses life
I can’t wait hear about what you did (or are gonna do) for someone else today…
Yourself and your business will be better because of it (=
Just leave a comment telling me what you did or will do… if a bunch of people went out and helped others today because of this blog post… that would stoke me out SO MUCH… and if you have a popular blog yourself… or a big email list… of a large following or client base… I urge you to pass this message on to them…
I love the power of blogging
Hey Chris…
Dude the Go Giver is an AMAZING book… EVERYONE should have it.
1. Just contacted my mum told her I love her…
2. A friend will be receiving a copy of the go giver within a week
3. Let's just say it's in the mail…
Now everyone else reading this… pardon the pun but off you go and give.
Cheers
AT
Hey Chris,
Yer man I'm really trying to get into this more and more latley. .
Last Friday i went o the local starbucks for a coffee, and like normal i lined up and got my grande bold, except i said to the lady i would buy the three people behind me their coffee as well. Now first off they looked at me like i was some lunatic and they said not to worry, but i insisted and just told them to try and influence one persons life that they didnt know in a positive way that day.
Now im not sure if they did or if it stopped there, though i hope that they acted upon it as well.
So the reason i did this because starting last Monday I promised myself that i would try to influence one stranger in a positive way, everyday from now on. You know what, i feel amazing because of it.
Cheers guys, we have a awesome community..
Travis
Hey Chris
I have been running a Meetup group free Sat boot camp in my community. Haven't got any clients from it yet but I felt good helping one of the ladies feeling better. Her partner is suffering from cancer and she doesn't have any friend in Perth. She told me the boot camp workout made her felt better and I was happy to do it free for her even though I know she won't be joining my paid boot camp.
TC
Hey, Chris.
Great post! Things like this need to be written more often!
My service to others today involves supporting a local blood drive. I baked cookies yesterday and I'll help serve them today! And next Tuesday is my own blood donation appointment!
Rock on!
LeAnn
Luke 6:38 says "Give and it will be given to you."
Sent out my first lot of unexpected 'Thank you' cards last week and the response I have received is simply amazing.
The cards had genuine messages on them which means a lot.
James
Yes! that's the way ah ah….. after I finished this book my eyes got so big that I start seen that every day I must reevaluate my purpose in life and recommit to the "G" man and serve.
thx for the reminder.
Good post Chris. I like your thinking!
Matt
If anyone knows anything about giving back and not expecting anything in return, it's you Chris. Your friggen' blog has been a massive help while building my business– not to mention that you are a no B.S. kinda guy. We all appreciate that.
A friend of mine got layed off due to cutbacks, so last week I actively searched, inquired, and pursued, and got her a much-needed job. On top of that, it's ten times better than her previous one. I must say, it felt damnnn good, and she couldn't be happier.
Funny enough, on my to-buy book list is "The Go-Giver".
Thanks for an awesome weekend. You are a true inspiration Mister McCombs.
Very true, you have to give to get!
ahhhhhhh, AWESOME book, CB sent this my way and I was re-reading it last night
I'm about to head my 3rd annual 'LIFT Strong' fundraiser.
I did 4 weeks after opening my gym, and do it every year.
My friend and mentor, Alwyn Cosgrove, years ago, was going through cancer, and without me knowing it, b/c he NEVER said a word of it, spent many hours on the phone with me and exchanged many e mails with me, all in an effort to help me grow my biz.
If he had never befriended me (and we all know that is NO easy task as I am a crazy guy) I NEVER would have had the success I have or the knowledge.
My gym probably never would have opened if it weren't for Alwyn.
So, the 3rd LIFT Strong fundraiser is set to go, Friday, July 3rd.
My athletes donate $$ and it all goes to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Alwyn told me to remember to pay it forward, and so I will hold the fundraiser till my very last breath on earth.
I double the highest donation every year and each year we break the previous year record.
This year will be huge as my gym has doubled in membership from the previous year.
Before the competition kicks off, I gather the athletes and give them my 'Any Given Sunday' speech.
I explain to them why the gym is here, and if it weren't for Alwyn, this gym would not be here, and our friendships and amazing experiences would also not exist.
I explain that LIFT Strong is about the fight, so when the competition gets tough, they must FIGHT, and not back down, and last year it was brutal.
Guys wiped out on concrete, blood on their knees, they ALL fought hard, go up and kept fighting.
The competition IS about winning, b/c Cosgrove KNEW he was going to win.
The competition is about saving lives, b/c other people payed it forward to improve research in cancer which helped save Cosgrove's life as well.
July 3rd, the battle is on, LIFT Strong begins it's 3rd annual event!
ALL are invited
Thanks for this post Chris, EVERY1 should get the book 'The Go Giver' and take action with it ASAP!
–z–
Sup chris!
Just got this book in the mail on monday and its friggin awesome.
Today I'm going to sponsor my client for $100 far her charity bike tour "tour for kids"
Thank you for all the great information you give out on a family basis. We all appreciate it so much!
Dan
Hey Chris – was great hanging with you this weekend man –
Yeah Craig sent me the same book – and it came to me at a very selfish point during the past few weeks – what's funny is Craig didn't put his name on it, so I thought the book was a sign from God or something!
But yeah, it was very valuable in bringing me back to center – it's a worthwhile read for everyone – thanks for the suggestion –
Btw, if I had toes like yours, I'd consider sneakers – just a suggestion man -
Love this post Chris.
I think as entrepreneurs we are so focused on success that we sometimes forget of others or their well being.
I had a boot camper that had a kid a couple months ago. I called her numerous times and even emailed her but no reply. One of my other boot campers sees here from time to time and tells her I said hi.
But it didn't occur to me to buy a card until my wife told me.
My wife was like "You should have been the first to buy her a card!"
And looking back I should have got her something. One of the biggest things I plan on focusing on in my business is building better relationships and re-building old relationships.
Thanks as always Chris.
The Go-Giver…sounds like a good one to check out.
Thanks for the recommendation.
As every week I give 20% of my income to my church. This way I know that the money will be used where God has directed it be used.
Also give 3 people I choose free bootcamp for the month.
http://www.betterlifefitnesscenter.com
http://www,randywoody.com
I had a article in the paper about my women's boot camp and I let everyone know that the first twenty people to sign up would become my walking billboards for free. I got over thirty to call or email me with interest in the program. I am ready to call some of my past clients to get them back in as well.
This post is awsome, and is also something that I try to live by everyday, whether it's for my clients, family or friends. It always pays off in one way or another.
Great post Chris!
Today I let me girlfriend know how much her support for me means to me and that I never take it for granted.
also sponsored my client's daughter's fundraiser for children in Africa
I offered to give someone 3 free months of boot camp training-they put an ad up on Craigslist asking for free personal training in exchange for recommendations to the trainer-I was the only trainer to reply and offer my services for free. She has since lost 5lbs in the first 2 weeks of training with me.
Hey Chris,
You are definitely a class act. You are always very inspirational.
Thank you for this post.
Chris,
Great idea man! I am going to pass this along to my clients and list! I am also doing a fundraiser for the Muscular Distrophy Association in August, where they lock me in jail, my bail money is what I raise for the fundraiser!
Thanks for the post dude!
Steve Krebs
"The Funniest Man in Fitness"
"It is more blessed (empowering to prospers and have good success) than receive." – Jesus.
Wise saying from the wisest of all.
Thanks for the post Chris.
I make it a practice of mine to give away 20% of my income every year and you are so right, its a MUCH more happy way to live. I can atest to it.
Tyron
I have always thought it was better to give than receive. You reap what you sow, you reap what you sow.
Chris,
there has been a fire in the downtown community where I run my gym and there has been a couple of businesses that have no place to go as well as a dozen residents with no place to stay. I'm opening up my boot camps to everyone for 2 weeks and I only ask for a donation from the participants that will go towards helping out the people that were affected by the fire.
I'm also going to write a check that equals 6% (my lucky number) of my months revenue that will also go towards a cause.
I will be sending out some gifts in the form of books and gift cards to people that have influenced my life in a positive way or inspired me to become more or raise my perception of where my limits are.
Thanks for being one of the people who inspire me Chris!
Luka
I organized a ride for Roswell team and have donated a money of free training to the person/ client who raises the most $$$$$
Every post so far has had great ideas
sorry
A month of training
Freakin phone
LOL
Great post, what a place our world would be if more people had the same sentiment. I am planning to do some simple exercise classes in the old persons home up from the gym I train at. I doubt that i will get clients out of it but thats not the point, it will hopefully make their days a bit more interesting.
O
Spent Saturday running a kids fitness session at a local primary school for two of my clients who are teachers there. They offered to pay, I did it for free.
Great idea in the coffee shop Travis
Marc
Love the post Chris.
I have just confirmed details to host for the third year running my Succeed Charity Gala Ball to raise money for Kids with Cancer here in Australia.
The last 3 years we have raised over $50,000 and we are going again, thanks to various people that have given up their time to help support our function, like Shannon Ponton ( the Australian Biggest Loser Instructor).
It is wonderful to again be hosting the ball and raising money for a very worthy cause. I will also be giving out FREE P.T sessions today for a few unfortunate people at my centre that cannot afford it.
Scotty
Maya Angelou said it best: "I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back."
Every year I donate a small amount to a charity. I also send tulips to my mom clients at Mother's Day and I get all my clients xmas gifts even if it's something small. I also do a complimentary self defence class for women of sexual and domestic violence quarterly.
This is so true, It also makes you feel good as well.
I walked into town and every person i saw i smiled and said hello, Most people smiled back but a couple of people wasnt sure what to do.
I also rang my friends and just let them know how special they are and the last one is my parents are on holiday they get back tomorrow so iv clean their house and got some food in the cupboard them. It made me feel good.
I am Donating 30% of my Boot Camps income to the World Wildlife Foundation for the month of July (my second month doing a BC). I am also using it as a promotion to get people in my BC.
I can truly say that since I have put this to practice 3 years ago my life has changed tremendously as well as my income. I havent read the Go Giver yet but I have become particularly fond of a much older book with the same principles. It's over 2000 years old and has sold more copies than any other book in print. Some people call it Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
No doubt Chris, what we sow we will reap. And I agree with you about Steve H, he is a great giver as well. Keep up the good work!
Chris,
Great reminder for all of us as we all often get so wrapped up in our daily lives, running our businesses etc.
Tomorrow is my dad's birthday , but I also called him today to let him know how much I loved him.
As with some of your other readers, I am in the second year of my Beach Bootcamp program and a portion of the proceeds from the camp are donated to purchase learning/educational toys for local kids.
Pay it forward brother, that's the message we all need to remember more often!
Coach Steve Loder
Awesome post Chris!! … another thought provoking message! Your blog has become one of my regulars on my journey of conscious living to a happier, healthier and more successful life and you have smashed it for 6 yet again!!!
- I just sent mum a little book about why mums are so great which I just stumbled upon a few days ago. She absolutely loved it.
- (this ones a little 2 edge sword) I've been taking the time to give compliments to many of the people I see in my day to day life … hairdresser, supermarket, cafe etc and they love it!! PLUS, I've managed to get a few phone numbers from it … so I really have to recommend this one!
- I recently got the wheel of my car looked at (the wheel was buckled) and the guys didnt charge me at all PLUS they tightened my battery terminal and did a few other lil things I totally didnt expect …FOR FREE!! That friday, I roll back into the workshop with a box of coronas and get a standing ovation … I felt like a rockstar!!
Only by giving are we able to start the receiving process, Jim Rohn.
Tx for the tip on the book, its straight on my list!
Cheers
I'm holding my 2nd annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser in a couple months.