BIG PICTURE

Looking at societies across the world, individuals from all backgrounds and cultures will naturally find ways they can contribute to the larger community. Bill Damon, a researcher at Stanford found that helping others is a key ingredient in finding a sense of purpose. And when we feel purposeful, we reap the long-term health benefits such as reducing stress and living longer.

ADDING DEFINITION

Contribution involves actively sharing our strengths with the world. Contribution is far from one-sided. Sometimes we are the ones helping and sometimes we are the ones being helped. And it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or focus on big social issues. In fact, it is often a commitment to small and steady actions that end up creating the biggest impact.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Contribution is rooted in what matters to you. To find ways to contribute, we can make connections between the skills and strengths we have to offer and where we want to have impact. It may not always be an obvious choice; there are endless ways to help others. By starting small and finding just one place we can bring value, we already become part of something bigger.