The Power of Giving: Help Yourself First to Help Others

As we move into December, the season most associated with giving, it's worth reflecting on how we can give meaningfully and sustainably.

We all want to help others, but can we truly give when we’re not in a position to take care of ourselves first? Consider the story of the Good Samaritan. When the Samaritan found the injured man on the road, he didn’t just stop to offer kind words or help him to his feet. He used his resources to make a real difference. He bandaged the man’s wounds, took him to an inn, and paid for his stay. On top of that, he told the innkeeper he would cover any additional expenses when he returned.

This act of compassion was possible because the Samaritan had the financial means to provide the care needed. While giving time and energy is invaluable, using money as a tool can create a deeper and more lasting impact.

Think about it: helping a friend with a down payment to move during a tough time, supporting family members in need, or paying it forward to the next generation. Money, at its core, is a tool that reflects our values and our giving spirit.

But here’s the challenge: can you give generously when your finances are in disarray? Many people especially women in STEM, who often have kind and loving hearts want to help others. Yet, it’s hard to do that when you’re buried under credit card debt, student loans, car payments, and other financial obligations.

Your greatest financial asset is your ability to generate income, but if that income is tied up in payments, it’s difficult to help yourself, let alone others.

What if you could shift that balance? Imagine more of your income going toward building a strong financial foundation. By doing so, you could reach a place where giving becomes one of the most joyful and fulfilling parts of your life.

At a recent conference, I heard a beautiful metaphor: the Kiddush cup. During the Sabbath, wine is poured into the cup until it overflows into the plate beneath it. The imagery is powerful. The cup represents you—your resources, energy, and well-being. The plate beneath it catches the overflow, symbolizing what you can give to others. You can only pour into others’ lives when your own cup is full and overflowing.

So, as we enter this season of giving, I challenge you to reflect: how can you prioritize your financial well-being not as an act of selfishness, but as a foundation for true generosity? When you’re in a stable place, you can give like no one else, and that’s a gift worth working toward.

P.S. What’s your giving goal this year? I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to share your thoughts or reach out if you’d like to chat!

P.P.S. I’m excited to share that I’ll soon be offering exclusive invitations to upcoming webinars, available only to my off-LinkedIn newsletter subscribers. If you’d like to join, I’d be so grateful for your support. Sign up today to stay in the loop!

Until next week,

Sandra Park