Category Archives: Give and Take

“Generosity is not a loan to repay or a debt to settle. It’s a gift to appreciate.”

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“Generosity is not a loan to repay or a debt to settle. It’s a gift to appreciate.”

—Adam Grant, American organizational psychologist and bestselling author

Image from Unsplash by Giullia Bertelli

Adam Grant’s book, Give and Take, is one of my favorites. If you have yet to read it, today’s quote could be one of the top nuggets to summarize its wisdom.

Through his extensive research of givers, takers, and matchers, it’s the givers of the world who seem to lead the most richly rewarding lives.

Perhaps the best way to show our appreciation of the generosity of others is simply to acknowledge it.

EXERCISE:

I hope you will take Adam’s advice and give the generous people in your life your sincere appreciation for their many gifts.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands

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“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.”

—Maya Angelou, late American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist

Image from Unsplash by Chris Chow

Baseball is an interesting metaphor for life.

A high percent of the game is focused on the pitcher/catcher exchanges. With fast balls clocking in at up to 100 miles per hour, the catcher clearly needs a very cushioned mitt to avoid serious injury. Without a free hand to return the ball to the pitcher, the game would grind to a halt.

The umpire plays an important role in calling balls and strike, assessing each throw offered to the batter for consideration. If the batter takes too many strikes, they’re out of there.

EXERCISE:

What is your current ratio of catching to throwing in your personal and professional communities?

What adjustments between taking and giving will help you win more of the games you currently play?