The Greatest Gift You Can Give Is Self-Improvement

I’m often asked the question, “How can I help someone else change, improve, be better?”

My answer often comes as a surprise, and here it is: The key to helping others is to help you first.

In other words, the best contribution I can make to someone else is my own personal development. If I become 10 times wiser or 10 times stronger, think of what that will do for my adventure as a father… as a business colleague… as a friend.

Related: Why Personal Development Is Critical to Success​

So the best gift you can give to others, really, is your ongoing personal development—getting better, getting stronger, becoming wiser.

If you have ever ridden in an airplane, then you might have noticed the oxygen compartment located above every seat. There are explicit instructions that say, “In case of an emergency, secure your own mask before helping others.” Take care of yourself first. If we used that same philosophy throughout our whole life, it would be so valuable.