The Success Secret No One Talks About

Recently, I recorded an episode of Rise to More that tackles something I've noticed again and again among incredibly talented, driven people: the unconscious habit of sabotaging their own success.

We all know someone (maybe even ourselves) who wants so badly to succeed that every interaction becomes transactional. It becomes all about "me": my job, my promotion, my next opportunity. They reach out only when they want something. The doors they're banging on somehow stay locked.

Here's the truth, my friends: Success doesn't flow toward those who only take—it flows toward those who give.

And this isn't just a feel-good cliché—it's proven science. The brilliant Adam Grant, in his groundbreaking research, showed unequivocally that the most successful people across every industry are not the takers, nor even the matchers—they’re the givers. They’re the ones who consistently and authentically help others rise. But there's an important nuance: these givers aren't naïve. They practice what Grant calls strategic generosity.

The Real Power of Giving

When you make the shift from taking to giving, you're working in alignment with the universal law of reciprocity—the fundamental, scientifically proven principle that humans feel compelled to return kindness, generosity, and help.

But this isn't about manipulating outcomes. It’s about genuine generosity. I deeply believe generosity is spiritual: it connects us to a force greater than ourselves. When my husband and I chose service as our way of life, our world changed dramatically. We didn't always get back directly from where we gave—but blessings returned abundantly, from unexpected directions, multiplied tenfold.

Four Simple Ways to Become an Intentional Giver:

1. Lead with Value:
   Always ask yourself, "How can I make someone else's day easier or brighter?" Offer your skills, insights, or encouragement first, before ever making an ask.

2. Notice Needs:
   Pay close attention to those around you. Who needs support, guidance, encouragement, or connection? Become the one who notices and acts.

3. Think Like a Connector:
   Introduce people, opportunities, and resources to each other without expecting immediate return. Connect good people to good opportunities—just because you can.

4. Play the Long Game:
   True success comes from genuine relationships cultivated over time. Invest in people. Trust in the process. Generosity pays off, often when you least expect it.

The Challenge

Here's my simple challenge to you today: Give without expectation. Reach out, not because you need something, but because you can help. Call someone to ask how you can support them. Offer advice, resources, or encouragement freely.

When you truly embody generosity, your whole perspective shifts. Doors open naturally—not because you kicked them down, but because people genuinely want to open them for you.

Because at the end of the day, rising to more is never just about you. It's about all the people you lift and inspire along the way.

With love,

Jasna