Thursday August 29, 2013 #554

“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know. The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”

 ~Dr. Albert Schweitzer

For those of you chasing happiness as defined by wealth, pleasure, and accumulation of ‘things’, be forewarned:  None of these alone create joy and lasting contentment.  True happiness seems to be inextricably attached to a service orientation.   This can certainly mean traditional service such as charitable works and philanthropy.  More often though it is simply an attitude of service or what is sometimes referred to as a servant heart.  In practical terms, this simply means caring for others’ welfare above your own. 

As a leader, this is referred to as servant leadership – the idea that the majority of a great leader’s focus is on understanding his people deeply, identifying strengths and sources of motivation, aligning roles with these in mind, and providing tools for their success such as time, technology, education, coaching, mentoring, and even getting out of their way if that is what is most beneficial.

You can apply this servant heart orientation to all aspects of your life – partner, parent, community organizations, and your work place.  If you do so consistently and from a place of authenticity, you will likely find that elusive happiness you seek, and more often than not, wealth, pleasure and the ability to accumulate things.  You actually can have it all.