Handouts

There has been much debate recently about the intrinsic value of handouts to the needy.  Some argue that it is our obligation, particularly if we have been successful, to give back to the poor in the form of food, clothing and other donations.  Others argue that helping those less fortunate is inherently good, but offering handouts with no strings attached does not teach self-sufficiency and perpetuates a cycle of poverty.   It is an age old debate and your perspective can be influenced by your politics, your economic status and your upbringing.   Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, we can all agree that idly sitting back and doing nothing does not help make this world a better place.  But ironically, when it comes to improving our own lives, many of us do sit back and passively wait for help to arrive!  If you want to power through your setbacks and move your life forward, you must take action.  There are no handouts!

We all get stuck at some point in our lives.  We all experience a crisis of faith that causes us to question our place in the world.  Perhaps we lose confidence in our ability to execute in our job.  Perhaps we no longer believe in a certain cause we had espoused our entire lives.   Perhaps we feel we are not maximizing our God-given potential on a daily basis.  In these tough times, it is hard to look within ourselves for the right answers.  Blaming others becomes the easy way out.  If only my company would pay for more training, then I would be more effective in my job.  If only I didn’t have all these family obligations, then I could be more productive at work.  Conversely, if only I didn’t have all these mindless tasks at work, then I could spend more quality time with my family.  Human nature often gravitates towards excuses and shies away from accountability.  The reality is that only you hold the keys to your success and happiness.  Invest in your own training.  Schedule your work tasks around family obligations.  Take accountability for your life.  Your problems are your problems.  No one else is going to solve them for you.  There are no handouts!

This is especially true when we suffer a setback.  Who will help us when apathy sets in on the job front?  Who will help us when stagnation sets in on the home front?  Who will help us when we lose our job or fall behind on our mortgage?  If we have lived a balanced, outward-focused life, we should have a close network of friends and family who can provide a safety net.   Financial help, emotional support and spiritual guidance are absolutely critical during these difficult times.  This type of relief is life-sustaining and we simply could not go on without it.  But, as precious as this support is in our moment of need, it is not a panacea for everything that is wrong with our lives.  Ultimately, we have to take responsibility and solve our own problems.  We have to find meaning and purpose in our work lives.  We have to dig deep to rediscover that passion in our home lives.  We have to saddle up and meet our own financial obligations.  Resiliency is borne from struggles and setbacks.  But no one can be resilient for you.  There are no handouts!

They are not going to GIVE you anything.  You have to go out and TAKE it!  –Coach Jim Fegan

You are destined to do great things with your life.  It’s time to take control of your destiny and maximize your potential.  Attack your problems!  Pursue your passion!   Play an active role in your own life!  And never apologize for your enthusiasm!  You will fail mightily at times.  But if you stay positive, stay resilient, and keep moving forward, you will eventually achieve goals you never thought possible.  No one is going to live your life for you.  There are no handouts!

Until next week, keep smiling!