It's Nice to Share

Life Lessons from a two-year-old – Part 1  

I recently caught up with an old friend for lunch. At age 31 he’s not exactly all that old but we’ve known each other for a long time now. Thus, the reference to old! Anyhow, he has a beautiful 18-month-old daughter - his first child – so I asked him an obvious question. 

What has she taught you about life? And I really liked his answer. 

In fact, he gave me two answers. One I will share with you today. The other I will expand upon next week. 

His first answer was in response to behaviour that didn’t impress him. He said – I’ve learnt that it’s nice to share!

Like all nearly two-year-old’s his daughter had become really bad at sharing, and for him, this was not one of her most enduring qualities. We laughed at his observation, but his comment stuck a cord and really made an impression on me because he had touched on something quite profound. That being - how nice life can be when we share and how unpleasant it can be when we don’t. Or put another way how likeable we can be when we share, and how unlikeable we can be when we don’t. 

I really liked that insight and thought it was a timely reminder for all of us to become better at sharing – myself included. 

None of us would knowingly want to be compared to a two-year-old that dissolves into tears and fits of rage when asked to share their beloved possessions with others, but many of us adults behave in a similar fashion, on a regular basis. We forget just how lucky we are and how much we already have. Instead of sharing some of what we already have we focus on acquiring more. And more. And more. And more.  

Now, as wanting animals that is ok – with one proviso. While it is unrealistic for us humans to rid ourselves of desire: wanting more being fundamental to human nature. What we can do, is turn our desire for wanting more, into a desire for wanting more for others. A desire to help others.

Many of you will already be on a pathway to achieving significant financial abundance and wealth – some of you will have already arrived. Certainly, if you are following The 7 Laws to Financial Freedom we outline in our program, you will achieve financial freedom. So, it’s important that you know when enough, is enough. It is important that you recognise when you already have enough to live a quality life. 

I am a big believer in airplane oxygen mask theory. Clearly you need to be able to look after yourself before you can begin to look after others. But at some point, you will have acquired more than enough to live a quality life and at that point, rather than just continuing to expand your own lifestyle, it’s worth turning your attention to helping others. Those less fortunate. Those not in a position to help themselves.

Joseph Heller, an important, gifted and funny writer, who is now dead – author of the famous Catch 22 that has sold more than 10 million copies - and Kurt Vonnegut were at a party given by a billionaire on Shelter Island. Kurt said to Joe, “Joe, how does it make you feel to know that our host only yesterday may have made more money than your novel ‘Catch-22’ has earned in its entire history?”

Joe responded, “I’ve got something he can never have.”

Kurt said, “What on earth could that be, Joe?”

And Joe replied, “The knowledge that I’ve got enough.”

I love that story because it highlights a very important point. The idea that there is a point in time where you will have more than enough of what is truly important in life. And, you don’t want to miss that moment. 

Ultimately happiness will not be found in seeking more but enjoying less. So, know when enough is enough and open yourself to the rich reward of becoming good and sharing. It’s nice to share!

PS: If you are at all concerned about your ability to secure your own financial freedom and wealth, then please visit us at www.lachlancameron.com. Our 7 Laws to Financial Freedom will help you achieve the financial freedom you desire. 

P.S.S: If you would like to go in the draw for this month’s X then simply Y