How giving back can increase your happiness and success (Giving Tuesday Episode) with Eric Harrison

For as long as I can remember, giving back has been a part of what is important to me.

Throughout my life, I have volunteered many hours to help in my community with organizations that are doing phenomenal work.

The truth is that I volunteer, not because I am a good person. I do it for very selfish reasons. Giving back reminds me how blessed I am and makes me feel good.

When I have been too focused on myself and not giving to others, I begin to focus on my empty cup and a life lacking the shine we sometimes feel it should have. In other words, I am living in the gap of life instead of the gain.

You don't have to look far to find someone who needs a friend, advice, or shelter.

Whether you're donating money or time, giving promotes happiness, increases our connection to others, and strengthens empathy. Wealth is a concept that, for me, starts inside of us. Being empathetic and sharing our blessings can help us feel good and increase our mental well-being.

As entrepreneurs, we tend to prioritize long-term goals. We also want to impact the world through our work alone. Giving back can remind us that what we are doing is also impacting outside our inner circle and keeping us on track to our goals. However, chances are good that we'd never have the world-changing impact I hoped for.

In today's episode, I interview Eric Harrison, the United Way of Central and Eastern Connecticut's new President and CEO.

Eric is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Budgeting, Event Management, Volunteer Management, and Public Speaking. Strong business development professional with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) focused in Business Administration and Management, General from the Minnesota School of Business.

I had a lot of fun getting to know him and learning more about what drives him to lead an organization like the United Way.

I am so happy that we have an incredible visionary committed to helping create more robust, more prosperous communities.

In the last couple of years alone, United Way has stepped up to answer the call of those in need. Their mission is to engage and bring together people and resources committed to the well-being of children and familie