Why Giving is Truly Receiving: A Leap of Faith and Revelation

Have you ever felt like you had nothing to offer? Like everyone else was more qualified, experienced, or capable than you? It’s a feeling that many of us have faced at some point in our lives. But sometimes, all it takes to break free from that doubt is a moment of faith—both in ourselves and from those who choose to believe in us.

Years ago, I hosted an annual volunteer event with a simple purpose: to bring together young aspiring professionals who were seeking time and advice from executives willing to offer their expertise. The idea was to give these participants tips on resume building and interview skills, helping them to feel more confident as they embarked on their journeys.

The event was always a highlight of my year, not just because of the knowledge shared, but because of the connections made and the energy in the room when people came together to help one another. After a few successful years, I had the idea to invite my entire New York team to participate. I firmly believed that regardless of one’s level or role, everyone had something valuable to offer.

A Moment of Doubt

The night before the event, I was in my office preparing my talk when there was a knock on my door. One of my junior team members stood there, looking hesitant. He asked if I had a minute to chat, and when I invited him in, he sat down, visibly emotional.

He said, “I think I’m going to pass on the event tomorrow.”

I could tell this was more than just a casual decision, so I asked, “What’s up? Why?”

He took a deep breath and began to explain. He told me that he didn’t feel like he had anything of value to offer. He was self-conscious because he had gotten a late start in his career and was quite junior for his age, relative to what he perceived as the norm. He felt embarrassed and unworthy of giving advice in front of seasoned executives. He was overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy.

As I listened, I understood where he was coming from. We all carry our own doubts, and when we compare our journey to others, it’s easy to feel like we fall short. But I also knew that he was looking at it all wrong.

An Invitation to Believe

I responded by acknowledging how he felt, but then I offered him a new perspective. I told him, “I wouldn’t have asked you to participate if I didn’t believe you had something valuable to offer. Sometimes, your story and experiences are exactly what someone else needs to hear.”

Then, I made a simple request. I asked him to do me a favor: “Just show up tomorrow, not for yourself, but for the faith that I know you can help. Trust me on this.”

He hesitated, but finally agreed. I could see that this decision wasn’t easy for him, but he chose to lean into the opportunity.

A Breakthrough Connection

The event went as planned, with executives and participants exchanging ideas, advice, and stories. At the end of these sessions, a line typically forms of participants wanting to say thank you to those who helped them.

As the line wound down, I noticed my junior team member standing there with a young man he had been paired with. The participant was smiling, and as they approached, the young man turned to me and said, “I just want to say thank you for hosting this. I’m so happy I came. I almost didn’t— I was so intimidated by the idea of meeting with executives.”

He continued, “But this guy… he made me feel so comfortable. His story is so close to mine. We connected, and I started to feel that if he’s here, then maybe I could be too, one day.”

As he spoke, I glanced at my team member, and his face was glowing with a mix of pride and relief. He had come full circle from the apprehension he felt the night before, and now he had experienced the profound impact he could have on someone else’s journey.

The Lesson in Giving

Later that evening, as I was packing up, there was another knock on my door. It was him again. He looked at me with sincerity in his eyes and said, “Thank you for pushing me. That was an amazing experience, and I can’t remember feeling this good in a long time.”

I smiled and replied, “Remember this as one of the greatest examples of how giving truly is receiving. We all have pieces to life’s puzzle, and we’re all missing pieces to life’s puzzle. Never underestimate your ability to help someone with one of your pieces.”

Reflecting on Value and Purpose

That day reminded me that value isn’t measured by titles, years of experience, or age. It’s measured by the connections we make, the trust we build, and the willingness to show up—even when we’re unsure of ourselves.

If you ever feel like you have nothing to offer, remember this: the piece you hold may be exactly what someone else is looking for. We all have the power to contribute, and by giving what we have, we open ourselves up to receiving something even greater in return—a sense of purpose, connection, and fulfillment.

This week, I encourage you to consider the pieces of your own puzzle and to share them bravely. You never know whose life you might change—or how much you’ll gain in the process.

With Absolute Sincerity,

Ed Clementi, Founder & CEO of Inspired Fire, LLC

https://www.edclementi.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardclementi/

https://www.edclementi.com/podcast/

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