No need for a New Year’s Resolution – We are inherently driven to help each other!

Each year, approximately 40% of Americans create New Year’s resolutions. Life goals to be healthier, happier, and overall better than the previous year. As we enter 2022, we face a start much like 2021- we are still in the ebbs and flows of health and economic uncertainty. As a result, resolutions on health, diet, and exercise continue to dominate national trends. This year’s trends also include resolutions to improve personal financial situations.

Research shows that the vast majority of those who make resolutions do not actually keep them. (When’s the last time you hopped on that treadmill?) What if we stopped with the unrealistic goals and made a plan we are hard-wired to obtain?  

Humans are social beings that have a desire to support each other. We are naturally drawn to what makes us feel good and are inherently driven to help our neighbors and community. 

As a fundraiser, I am grateful to know that there are many individuals that include ‘giving’ of both time and money in their yearly plans. As a philanthropist, I am glad to know that altruism leads to a happier, longer life.

 
We do not need a New Year to remind us to give back for the benefit of others and ourselves. 
We just do it naturally! 

On Philanthropy appears monthly in the Milwaukee Business Journal for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter. This month’s column is contributed by Leona S. Knobloch, Development Director with Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, MBJ 40 under 40 Alum (2011).