Jealousy is a powerful emotion that can consume us and hinder our own personal growth. It is natural to feel a twinge of envy when another charity achieves success or receives recognition for their accomplishments. However, dwelling in jealousy only serves to hold us back and prevent us from fully embracing the power of celebration. In this article, I want to explore the negative impact of jealousy, the importance of embracing others’ amazing gifts, and the transformative effect of letting go of jealousy.
The Negative Impact of Jealousy
Jealousy is a toxic emotion that can poison our minds and relationships. When jealousy consumes us, it blinds us to our own strengths and accomplishments. Instead of focusing on our accomplishments, we find ourselves constantly comparing ourselves to others, which only serves to breed resentment and dissatisfaction. Jealousy can also lead to negative behaviors such as gossiping, backstabbing, and undermining others, which not only damages our own character but also erodes trust and respect within our various relationships.
There was a time that closed a major gift from Donor X. He has always been a keen supporter of the organization I was with, but this gift surpassed all of his other gifts by a huge magnitude. My colleague at the time was thrilled. Not so much for the size of the gift, but because the donor was a board member at a charity with a similar mission to ours. The notion was that we “stopped their gift”. The gift made me feel less proud – it turned the situation into a “net sum zero” scenario. But — fast forward a couple of years — that donor made an equally significant gift to the charity that he was a board member of. Perhaps the gift I closed motivated the other charity to engage with the donor in a more meaningful way to procure a larger gift. I actually felt more proud of that gift than I did of the gift he made to our charity.
The Power of Celebration of Gifts
Celebration, on the other hand, is a powerful force that can uplift and inspire us. When we genuinely celebrate the achievements and successes of others, we create an environment of positivity and encouragement. Celebrating others’ amazing financial gifts and successes allows us to recognize and appreciate the unique contributions they bring to the table. By celebrating others, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities for growth. We become part of a community that supports and uplifts each other, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate circle.
The Story of Ruth Gottesman and Her $1 Billion Bequest
One remarkable example of embracing others’ amazing gifts can be found in the story of Ruth Gottesman. In her will, she left a staggering $1 billion bequest to Albert Einstein College of Medicine, making free tuition available to all students from now on.
Some in the fundraising community celebrated this transformational gift. What an amazing display of “paying it forward” and investing in the future. However, others in the fundraising community praised her generosity, while at the same time pushing their own fundraising agenda. I came across one organization that emailed its supporters “It’s essential to recognize that you don’t need to be a billionaire to leave a lasting legacy.” Instead of celebrating Ruth’s gift and letting it shine on its own merit, this organization made the gift about them. I felt as if they somehow lessened Ruth’s benevolence.
Embracing Others’ Amazing Gifts
To fully embrace others’ amazing gifts, we must shift our mindset from one of scarcity to abundance. As I have said in posts before, urgency drives fundraising — there was no more money in the world before we learned of Ruth’s gift than there was after we learned of her gift. Instead of viewing someone else’s success as a threat to our own, we should celebrate it as evidence that there is room for all of us to thrive. All gifts are important, no matter the size or form. Each contribution, whether it be financial support, time, or expertise, has the potential to inspire and motivate others. By focusing on the impact and the “why” behind someone’s gift, rather than getting caught up in the “how” or the competition for perceived scarce funding, we can create a culture of celebration and collaboration within the nonprofit sector.
The Concept of “Rising Tide Lifts All The Boats”
The concept of a rising tide lifts all the boats reminds us that when one organization succeeds, we all benefit. By celebrating others’ success, we contribute to a positive and supportive ecosystem that encourages growth and innovation. When we focus on the collective vision and work towards a common goal, we magnify the impact of our efforts. By embracing celebration and letting go of jealousy, we create an environment where everyone can thrive and make a difference.
As Ruth’s gift becomes more well-known, other organizations will experience the same phenomena of transformational gifts. This is not the first time there was free tuition because of a generous donor. I wrote about that here.
The Importance of Celebrating Others’ Success With Their Gifts
Celebrating others’ success is not just a feel-good gesture; it is essential for building strong relationships, fostering a sense of community, and creating a culture of accountability and stewardship. When we celebrate others, we strengthen the bonds of trust and collaboration. We inspire and motivate each other to reach new heights. By acknowledging and recognizing the accomplishments of others, we encourage a spirit of healthy competition and continuous improvement. Celebrating others’ success also allows us to broaden our horizons and learn from different perspectives, which ultimately benefits our own personal and professional growth.
Conclusion: Embracing Celebration and Letting go of Jealousy
By recognizing and celebrating others’ amazing gifts, we create an environment of positivity, collaboration, and mutual support. We shift our perspective from one of scarcity to abundance and foster a culture of celebration and innovation.
Until next week.
L’chaim,
jack
