Are You a Giver or a Taker? — Frank Sonnenberg

Some people will offer you the shirt off their back, while others take everything they can without a second thought. One might wonder how they live with themselves, but they don’t see anything wrong with it — if they benefit, of course. Don’t get me wrong, while it’s completely natural for people to prioritize their own self-interests, some take it to extremes — and it isn’t a pretty picture. Are you a giver or a taker?

Unfortunately, there are many takers in this world. They’ll do anything, and I mean anything, to get what they want. They’ll trample on others to get ahead, exploit the system for personal gain, and are quick to demand rewards without earning them.

Greed can be the unwillingness to give or the willingness to take.

Greed Involves More than Money

When people think of selfishness, they often imagine someone hoarding money. However, there are many other ways people demonstrate greed. Here are 10 ways to spot a taker:

Stingy. Some people cling tightly to their possessions and rarely part with them. These penny-pinchers have yet to learn the value of sharing or generosity.

Callous. Some folks are emotionally distant and uncaring, showing a total disregard for others unless they stand to gain from their kindness.

Narcissistic. Some folks are egotistical and self-centered, believing the world revolves around them. They see people as tools to get what they want, rather than valuing them for who they are.

Lazy. Some people are unwilling to pull their weight, unless it’s absolutely necessary, placing an unfair burden on others.

Entitled. Some folks demand rewards or special treatment they haven’t earned.

Manipulative. Some people exploit loopholes in the system for personal gain, shifting the cost onto others.

Shortsighted. Some folks opt for quick fixes, kicking the can down the road, and in doing so, create lasting repercussions for others to face.

Deceptive. Hypocrites hold strong opinions but expect others to shoulder the burden. They demand actions they would never take themselves and exempt themselves from the rules they impose on others. Furthermore, they take more during good times and demand sacrifices from others in bad times.

Cutthroat. Some people are ruthless, seeking to gain the upper hand rather than achieving a win-win outcome. They wouldn’t hesitate to step on others to get ahead.

Self-serving. Some people prioritize immediate gratification over the broader aspirations of others, jeopardizing their future. For them, personal satisfaction takes precedence over the legacy they leave behind.

I hope you don’t find yourself too often on the preceding list. If you do, don’t worry. As George Eliot, the English novelist, said, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

Do You Give More Than You Get?

Giving is one of life’s greatest joys, yet some people never experience it. They believe that the best path to success is through selfish means, seeking the greatest benefit with minimal work, and always craving more.

Greedy people are like sharks. All the oceans in the world won’t satisfy these eating machines.

In truth, giving something away doesn’t mean you’re giving something up. When you give of yourself, you receive something invaluable in return — the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped someone in need, brightened their day, or made a difference in their life. As the saying goes, “When you are generous, you are not only giving, but you are also creating joy in your own heart.”

But that’s not why you should do it. True giving comes from the heart, not from expecting something in return.

When you live with honor and integrity, doing what’s right by others, you’ll be rewarded in unexpected ways. This captures the essence of karma: Good intentions and actions lead to positive outcomes. It may seem simple, but it ultimately comes down to your choices. Are you a giver or a taker?

Check out Frank’s new book, BECOME: Unleash the Power of Moral Character and Be Proud of the Life You Choose

Are You a Giver or a Taker?

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Additional Reading:
Are You Selfless or Selfish?
The Many Faces of Greed
Are You Enthusiastic for the Success of Others?
Do You Let Envy Get the Better of You?
Give Without Expecting Something in Return
The Gift of Giving
Moral Character Matters

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