Tired of Chasing Success? Try Giving It Away Instead

Ever feel like you’re on a hamster wheel, constantly chasing success but never quite catching it? We’re often taught that success is a battle—a zero-sum game where you have to take, hustle, and out-compete everyone else. But what if the secret to getting everything you want is actually… giving?

That’s the radical and refreshing idea behind Bob Burg and John David Mann’s powerful little book, “The Go-Giver.” It tells the story of a young, ambitious professional named Joe who learns that true success comes not from being a “go-getter,” but from becoming a “go-giver.” He discovers the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success, a set of principles that turn conventional wisdom on its head.

Ready to unlock a more fulfilling and prosperous way of living and working? Let’s dive into these game-changing laws. 🚀

“Most people just laugh when they hear that the secret to success is giving… It’s counterintuitive. But the truly successful people have always known this. They just don’t go around talking about it.”

1. The Law of Value: Your True Worth is Determined by How Much You Give

Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.

This isn’t about working for free. It’s about exceeding expectations. Think about the last time you had an amazing customer experience. The company didn’t just give you what you paid for; they gave you more—more attention, more care, more quality. They added immense value.

In your own life or career, focus on providing overwhelming value to others. Whether it’s to your clients, your employer, or your family, the goal is to make people feel like they got the better end of the deal. When you genuinely focus on enriching the lives of others, your own success becomes an inevitable byproduct.

“Your compensation is a result of your contribution.”

2. The Law of Compensation: Your Income Depends on How Many People You Serve

Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.

Law #1 is about the quality of your giving; Law #2 is about the quantity or reach. You might create the most valuable product in the world, but if you only sell it to one person, your impact (and your income) will be limited.

Think bigger. How can you take the value you provide and scale it to reach more people? A small-town baker who makes the best bread in the world serves her local community well. But if she shares her recipe in a cookbook or opens a franchise, she exponentially increases the number of people she serves. The more lives you touch, the greater your compensation will be.

“The world will pay you for the value you bring to it.”

3. The Law of Influence: Your Influence is Determined by How Abundantly You Place Other People’s Interests First

Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.

This is the golden rule on steroids. True influence isn’t about power or control; it’s about trust. And trust is built when people know you have their back. When you consistently put others’ needs ahead of your own, you create a powerful network of people who want to see you succeed.

Think of the most influential person you know. Chances are, they are a connector, a mentor, someone who is always looking for ways to help others win. They don’t ask, “What’s in it for me?” They ask, “How can I help you?” This selfless approach makes them a magnet for opportunities and goodwill.

“Your network is your net worth, but only when you focus on building the network and not the net worth.”

4. The Law of Authenticity: The Most Valuable Gift You Have to Offer is Yourself

The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.

In a world of filters and carefully curated online personas, being genuine is a superpower. Trying to be someone you’re not is exhausting and ineffective. The most valuable thing you can bring to any situation—be it a job, a relationship, or a business deal—is your unique self.

Don’t hide your personality, your quirks, or your unique perspective. People connect with real people. When you show up authentically, you not only feel more fulfilled, but you also attract people and opportunities that are genuinely right for you.

“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde

5. The Law of Receptivity: The Key to Effective Giving is to Stay Open to Receiving

The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.

This final law ties everything together. Giving is only one side of the equation. You also have to be willing to receive. For many of us, this is the hardest part. We feel guilty, undeserving, or too proud to accept help, compliments, or payment.

But think of it this way: when you refuse to receive, you are shutting down the cycle of giving. You are denying someone else the joy and opportunity to give to you. Breathing is a cycle of exhaling (giving) and inhaling (receiving). You can’t do one without the other. To be a true go-giver, you must graciously accept the gifts, opportunities, and abundance that flow back to you.

“It’s not better to give than to receive. It’s insane to try to give and not receive.”

The Takeaway

The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success aren’t just a business strategy; they’re a life philosophy. They teach us that success is not something you pursue; it’s something that ensues. It flows to you as a result of your focus on giving.

So, the next time you’re thinking about your goals, shift your focus. Instead of asking, “How can I get what I want?” ask yourself, “How can I give more value to more people?” The answer to that question is the real secret to stratospheric success. ✨