Coaching Moment #164 $1,000 Gift

Coaching Moments used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Moments are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.

#164 $1,000 Gift


Imagine you had $1,000 given to you today. The gift stipulates that you can only spend the money on other people or charities. You cannot spend it on yourself or on things that directly benefit you. Where would you give your money? How would it be distributed among the people or causes that are important to you?

Now, when is the last time you spend time/money with those people or charities? Remember you don’t have to wait for a gift of $1,000 or to make a sizable donation to make a difference.

Money Can Buy Happiness

I was in the library, about 2 years ago, when I saw the title, "Money Can Buy Happiness" by Dunleavey. I grabbed it in anticipation of what it would say. I'll let you read it for yourself to find out. I'll tell you this, I liked it.

That same title was on page 18 of my current issue of Forbes Magazine (yes, I know I've been talking up Forbes a lot lately, forgive me). Michael Norton tells us that money can make us happy.... IF we give it away. He discusses research that shows raises don't make a big dent in our lifestyle quality or satisfaction but giving away money does. So, no matter what you make, give some away. You'll life will be better for it. I believe him and I abide by the rule. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, or following me on Facebook, you know that my charities of choice involve animal welfare. We give for birthdays, holidays and random days- just to show our support for the cause as well as feel good that we have the opportunity to give.

Check out the article for yourself. There are some interesting numbers in here. http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0913/opinions-ipad-happiness-money-lotto-on-my-mind.html

Happy giving. Happy life.

Volunteering Calls You!

Similar to post-9/11, people are looking for greater meaning in their lives. More fulfilling ways to spend their time.

I have several clients who are opting to leave high-powered, 70-hr work weeks, for jobs that pay 1/2 their current salaries but are far more community-centered.

I encourage everyone to volunteer with/for a cause that speaks to them. Volunteering doesn't just mean serving meals to people (a common misconception). It can be offering your expertise to your favorite charity for 10 hours a month (~2 hours a week).

Visit www.volunteermatch.org and type in your zip code and a keyword (choose a word related to your charities of choice such as "children" or "animals"; or choose a word related to what you do, such as "accounting" or "database"). This site will show you opportunities that exist in your area for your keywords.

How much simpler can it be?

Also, call your favorite charities and ask them if they need volunteers. I'd be surprised if they say no.

Happy volunteering. Let's all bring a little more meaning into our lives.

Don't Forget Your Favorite Charities...

Pic: Louie B (a shelter dog) pretending to earn his kibble.

I'm a huge animal lover! I always have been. I remember getting bit on the face as a child by a dog and telling my mom it was my fault for sneaking up on him. I still have the scar from that incident. But, I never once stopped supporting animal related causes. I suppose I'm a die-hard.

Each year at Christmastime, my dear friend Tara and I contribute money in each other's names to animal-centered organizations. I do the same for my mother at Mother's Day and on her birthday.

No matter what cause you feel close to, don't forget about them during times like these. We all seem to be a little more generous around the holidays. This year is slightly less-so due to economic concerns, but it shouldn't mean that our most loved charities have to bear the brunt of it. I'd rather pick up one less "gift" and contribute more in times like this.

Please consider making a donation in your loved ones honor or memory this holiday. It will make a greater difference that you know.

Happiest of holidays,
Lisa