In the eyes of many people, giving doesn’t count unless it’s completely selfless. In reality, though, giving isn’t sustainable when it’s completely selfless.

For example, studies reveal that people who give altruistically—with no concern for their own interests—are prone to burnout and ...

Successful givers secure their oxygen masks before coming to the assistance of others.

The productively generous choose to help in ways that are energizing rather than exhausting.

Dont confuse being generous with being nice.

Being a nice person is about courtesy: you’re friendly, polite, agreeable, and accommodating. When people think they always have to be nice in order to give, they fail to set boundaries, rarely say no, and b...

Three other pillars for a successful life: well-being, wisdom, and wonder. All of these pillars can be side effects of productive giving.

• Helping effectively can boost our well-being by strengthening...

Unfortunately, when people sacrifice their own success for other people, they fall behind on their personal responsibilities, and burn out.

Reaching down to help people climb up the ladder, they get stepped on—and sometimes squashed.

The productively generous recognize the difference between taking and receiving.

• Taking is using others solely for personal gain.
• Receiving is accepting help when you need it, and maintaining a willingness to pay it back or ...