Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Editor's note: Curtis Blair is the president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. He describes himself as an entrepreneur and business alchemist. Over the past couple of years, Blair interviewed many of Utah County's C-Suite leaders about principles that helped make their organizations successful. He is sharing those principles in a series of 10 articles.
How does it feel to give a child a present and watch their eyes light up as they rip off the wrapping paper and receive the gift? How does it feel to receive and prosper when you are gifted from someone else's generosity?
The concept of giving more than you take is a timeless principle that resonates deeply within the human spirit. It transcends cultures, religions, and backgrounds, serving as a guiding light for leading a fulfilling and meaningful life.
At its core, giving more than you take, also known as the Law of Giving is a philosophy that encourages selflessness and generosity. It's about going beyond the basic transactional nature of life and relationships and embracing a mindset of abundance. When you give more than you take, you contribute positively to the world, fostering goodwill and kindness.
To see this principle in action in this community, consider a special project recently announced by Greg Cook, founding executive and chairman of dōTERRA in Pleasant Grove; specifically, the Hale Center Theater Orem.
The theater had been seeking, in earnest, a place to enlarge its 300-seat theater and the cultural-art experience of live theater. They had some help but continued to struggle to reach their dream.
Cook had options. He lives the Law of Giving. "There was an opportunity to play a wonderful role to get the theater into a new location," Cook said.
He built a community support system for the theater that included his employees. Cook offered Hale Center Theater Orem five acres of land on dōTERRA property, additional funding, and other support to build a world-class theater venue that can hold up to 1,100 patrons.
Cook said when he announced the idea to his employees and board of directors, they received it by giving a standing ovation.
The Ruth, named after Ruth Hale, was then started, and by Christmas of 2024 will be providing upgraded, Broadway-level stage performances while keeping ticket fees at family prices.
"The more you give, the more it comes back to you," Cook said he has learned. "It's a win-win. It's a blessing to give."
Don't all people and businesses need the generosity of others now and then?
The Ruth isn't the only project Cook and dōTERRA are involved in, but it is an example of a business paying it forward and giving to the communities they serve. While not all businesses can give in this exact way, we celebrate the many businesses in our community who give generously of their time, talent and treasure.
In a world where success often seems measured by material gains, the Law of Giving emerges as a timeless principle that transcends mere transactions. By showcasing how businesses can uplift communities and individuals by giving generously, the example of the Cook Foundation reinforces the idea that prosperity is intricately intertwined with compassion and benevolence.
Utah Valley Chamber – Principle #3: Spend less than you earn
As far as financial advice goes, one principle stands as the cornerstone of fiscal responsibility: spending less than you earn. It is a fundamental tenet that resonates with our common sense — if your expenses surpass your income, long-term financial stability becomes elusive.Moreover, the act of giving brings a profound sense of fulfillment and happiness. It reminds us that our purpose in life goes beyond personal gain; it's about making a difference in the lives of others. In giving, we discover that true wealth is not measured by what we accumulate but by the impact we have on the world and the relationships we nurture.
As The Ruth, the new theater venue, takes shape as a beacon of culture and entertainment, it serves as a tangible reminder that when businesses and individuals embrace the Law of Giving, they not only sow the seeds of positive change but also reap the rewards of enriched lives and sustainable success. Indeed, this principle resonates as a guiding light for fostering a prosperous and harmonious world for all - starting right here in Utah Valley.
The Law of Giving is a universal truth that beckons people to be better, kinder, and more compassionate individuals. It invites them to embrace the beauty of selflessness, and in doing so, find greater joy and purpose in our lives.
People should strive to give more than they take, for in this simple act, they discover the essence of a truly rich and meaningful life.
