The importance of giving back

Have you ever achieved a major accomplishment, looked around and thought, “Is this all there is?” When you look back on your life, does it seem like you have accomplished a lot, but you still don’t feel completely fulfilled? On paper, you can have everything you thought you wanted from life: a thriving career, an incredible family and peak physical health, and still feel like something’s missing. 

That’s because you haven’t accomplished one of the six essential human needs: contribution. You need to give back.

Why is giving back important?

The need to contribute to something larger than ourselves is hardwired into every human being. It gives meaning to life, feeds your soul and lifts your spirits. It helps you to be grateful for everything you have. It gives you significance.

Contribution stems from growth, another of the essential human needs. If you’re not making progress in your life, of course you won’t feel fulfilled – you’ll be stagnant. You’re only truly living if you’re growing. But what is the end goal of all that growth? We grow so we can eventually give something back. Whether you’re giving back to your loved ones, the community or society, you’ll only find true fulfillment when you start to look outside of your own needs.

If your goals only serve you, then achieving major milestones in your life will only bring fleeting happiness. But if your goals aim to benefit a greater purpose, you’ll eventually be able to find a true sense of joy. You’ll start to realize that you don’t need to be praised by others. You’ll witness firsthand the positive impact you’re making. And you’ll find that positive impact creates a ripple effect. Just like how the people you surround yourself with affect your life, creating positivity will only bring you more positivity.

The emotional scarcity you feel will end once you begin to give back. That’s not to say you won’t still encounter stressful times, but once you make the psychological, emotional and spiritual shift that comes with being someone who gives back, you’ll feel more grounded in all aspects of your life. You don’t need to be wildly successful to start contributing – every small bit counts. 

Why is giving back important? Whether you give someone on the street a hot meal or a few dollars or are able to contribute on a larger scale, giving back to society will give you a sense of fulfillment you just can’t get anywhere else.

Get inspired to give back

As Tony often says, “The secret to living is giving.” He doesn’t just talk the talk with giving back quotes – he walks the walk every day through the Tony Robbins Foundation. The foundation has been improving the lives of senior citizens, youth and the hungry, homeless and imprisoned since 1991. Here are just a few ways the foundation has made a difference:

– The Inmate Empowerment Program has provided books, audio and curriculum to over 1,600 correctional facilities.

– International Basket Brigades around the country have donated baskets of food and household items.

– The four-day Global Youth Leadership Summit has changed the lives of thousands of teens.

– Monetary grants have impacted individuals and organizations around the world.

Still wondering, “Why is giving back important?” Get inspired with these quotes on giving back from some of the world’s greatest heroes: 

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill 

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Martin Luther King, Jr. 

“Life is a gift and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” – Tony Robbins 

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” – Helen Keller 

“If you’re not reaching back to help anyone then you’re not building a legacy.” – Germany Kent 

“Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment.” – Tony Robbins 

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso 

“Those who are the luckiest . . . also have the greatest responsibility to work hard, to contribute to the betterment of the world, and to share their luck with others.” – Ben Bernanke 

“When you are aware of all that has been given to you, in your lifetime and the past few days, it is hard not to be humbled, and pleased to give back.” – Anne Lamott

Start giving back today