How can contribution lead to success?

Most of us, especially when we are working long hours in our jobs and companies, as well as for our families and other organizations feel that we contribute in some way to the cause. These causes can be the goals of the company, the goals of the family, maybe to raise children, or the goals of the non-profit organization or church we are involved with.

When we look into Webster’s dictionary to learn about contribution and what “contribute” actually means, we can find the following explanation:

Contribute = to give or supply in common with others

What this explanation confirms is the character of the task as something in common with others. In the book by Brendon Burchard, titled “Life’s Golden Ticket”, Henry, the mentor, provides a very interesting statement regarding contribution:

“You see, most people, have lived life as if they were at the whim of circumstances and as if they were supposed to get something from the world. The miracle makers in this world, though, are the people who live by choice and live to contribute. They ask what they are making happen and they ask what they are giving.
The lesson about contribution simply says:

If you want your life experience to be bright,
choose to contribute”

I couldn’t agree more. The transformative word in this lesson is not the word contribute, but the word choose. What most of us do when we work at large companies like GE, Microsoft, or General Motors, medium sized companies like Inogen, Citrix, Mentor, or small companies like AMC LLC, Iconix, or Life Chiropractic is waiting to be told what to contribute. It fits for banks like First Bank on the smaller scale, and Wells Fargo on the larger scale. Even in educational institutions like Universities, Colleges, High Schools. Every place provides opportunity to contribute.

What do we learn from this for our leadership and management as well as our self-improvement? The importance lies in choice. Don’t wait for others to determine what your chores or tasks are and then re-label them as contributions. Use your energy, causes, your desire to give and supply in common with others from a leading point. Be the one who chooses to contribute in the small or large way you can. Don’t wait for others to tell you what your contribution has to be – take action yourself and move forward as a role model of contribution.

You will see that your actions are much appreciated because many people around you crave for someone to step forward and lead. It will show your abilities, your sincerity, and your leadership for those around you and those who have to evaluate you at your next performance review.

Speaking of contribution: I like to make you aware of the relatively new Donate Button on the left pane of this blog. Your donations will be used for animals. We decided to support the rescue organizations that try to help dogs and cats. You all have probably heard about the horrible fires and other natural catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina. Each time something like this happens, the cats and dogs either run away or get dumped at shelters and rescue organizations. Heidi, my wife, is a long time animal rescuer. All our pets are rescues, and we are frequently helping rescue organizations like Cuddly Canines, Best Friends, Delta Rescue, and others, through donations, fostering, support, or referrals.

We hope you will find it in your heart to contribute by donating to the rescue organizations for cats and dogs by using the Donate Button on the left.

Many thanks in advance. I will report back to you how we are doing and how the funds you contribute will help animals in need to survive and find loving homes.

Axel Meierhoefer, President AMC LLC