Wouldn't it be great if everyone accepted the universal principle that abundance is unlimited and the more success you create the more you are given?
Unfortunately, a large portion of our world operates under the premise that there is only so much to go around, and everything someone else gets, takes his or her share away.
The "lack" mentality is prevalent in our society. Look at the joy the press gets out of building someone up into a celebrity only to then find something else to report that will bring them down a notch or two.
Envious people say that Bill Gates stole the program that was the beginning of Microsoft. Successful people give him credit for recognizing its potential, buying it at a great price, and then building it into an empire. If envious people gave credit where credit is due, what excuse would they have for not having accomplished more in their life?
As a successful person, you most likely arent a victim of envy towards someone elses success. But you may know people who are, and they could use your help. They may be family members, friends or co-workers who dont understand why they arent getting ahead. They might even be directing their envy toward you.
Envy comes from low self-esteem. If you feel good about yourself and your talents, you have no reason to be envious of what someone else achieves. Low self-esteem keeps people from being happy for the success of others. They see every success of someone else as an indictment of their own inadequacy and are usually so busy beating themselves up that they dont care to congratulate anyone else.
If envy is your block to success, you may take it as a personal affront when a colleague is achieving success, believing it somehow prevents you from doing the same. Or you may be the recipient of envy from a friend who gets a little cold towards you once you are happy in a relationship while they still arent. Or, a co-worker who takes little stabs at you behind your back because you are either making more sales than they are or getting a promotion and they arent.How Can You Help?The best way to turn around envious people and help them to see the light is to be generous with them. Even if theyre left shaking theirs heads, thinking youre crazy, be friendly and supportive. Congratulate them when something good happens. Encourage them to go for their dreams and applaud their successes along the way.Show them you arent one of those glass half empty people. Be the example that shows them success isnt a pie with only a few pieces, but a never-ending buffet. I can tell you from personal experience that its only a matter of time before they start feeling better about themselves. Their hearts will start to open and you can help make that happen.There are many people realizing achievements they deserve to be congratulated for on a daily basis -- and chances are they dont get even one kind word.
Be the person who changes that for them. Go out of your way to let someone know you think they are doing a great job. Show them what theyre doing makes a difference and you recognize their effort. Not only do you recognize it, you appreciate it.The joy you get from being responsible for putting a smile on someones face is enough, but you will also be building their self-esteem and their belief that people can be truly happy for their success without having an ulterior motive.They might just go out and brighten someone elses day. Maybe yours.About the Author:Lynn Pierce, known as the Success Architect, founded the annual Empowered Womens Business Summit. She is the author of, Breakthrough to Success; 19 Keys to Mastering Every Area of Your Life. Her current book in progress, The Soul of the Career Woman; How to Reclaim Your Life, Reawaken Your Soul Without Giving Up the Cash, will be available late 2010.
