Now that I’ve created a new self definition and made the commitment to act, I’m ready to give back. Except, when I look at all that is wrong with the world, and all the causes that need contributions, I feel despair. Does this happen to you too?
On one side there is breast cancer research, on another side there is prostate cancer research. Then ovarian cancer, lung cancer – and that’s just the cancer causes I can think of off the top of my head. There is world poverty, torture, genocide, hungry people, abused animals – is your head spinning yet?
OK, time to step back and think for a moment. I need to focus or I’m no good. So, I propose a new way of looking at this: pick just one cause that’s personally significant and work for it. Just one, maybe two. The important thing is the quality of effort, not quantity. Be picky about your cause and selective about your involvement.
I choose the environment, specifically keeping the oceans clean and healthy. I also care about animal welfare, so I know I will occasionally contribute to this cause; however, the oceans are my main passion.
Focusing On One Cause
But what if supporting breast cancer research is more meaningful for you? There are so many, many ways you can contribute. You could give money, you could run in a Race for the Cure, you could run in several races, you could sponsor someone else. You could purchase products to show your support where a portion of the proceeds is dedicated to the cause. However, just as you can’t support all causes, most people don’t have the time and money to do everything even for one cause. You are the only one who can judge where you are and how comfortable you are with giving.
There is nothing wrong with starting small. Click on The Breast Cancer Site everyday. Buy a pink tee shirt if only because you needed a new tee shirt anyway. Give a few dollars to a friend who is participating in a Race for the Cure. Maybe later, if you find time you can race yourself. Eventually, you may feel comfortable organizing a large event, say a flea market, to raise money. Every little bit counts, so nothing is too small.
On the other hand, maybe you have more time and energy to start, but you feel spread thin with all the causes. By choosing instead to focus on one, or perhaps two, you have the ability to make an even bigger impact. Think about it – if you have $100, you can help five or six causes a little bit, or one cause a lot.
Letting Your Passion Rule
Also, by choosing only one cause, one you really feel passionate about, you have the opportunity to really let that passion guide you. I know when I care about something I’m more attentive to it and I work harder than when I only feel so so about it. Putting your passion behind it not only makes you feel better, it can be catching. Others will see how much you care and be more willing to stand up, take notice, and join you in contributing.
Humans are naturally picky about our food, our relationships, our clothes – why shouldn’t we be picky about our giving as well? Some are better at multitasking that others, but I’m sure most people would say that one task at a time is still the most efficient and easiest. Apply the same logic to your giving and you will see a bigger reward. You will gain higher satisfaction that you truly made a difference and you will have supported something you really believe in. So, be picky, be passionate, and be giving.
