delicate reciprocity

Mastering the art of reciprocity can be difficult because it requires a delicate balance between investing in the right people and not feeling taken advantage of or succumbing to resentment. When it comes to building our careers and portfolios, it’s often necessary to pay our dues and do favors in order to gain recognition and establish a reputation. But if our ultimate objective is to develop and grow, we must be very selective about the connections we make and understand the benefits they may offer.

I don't think it's right to always do good deeds expecting something in return, but I've also learned the hard way that doing good deeds all the time without any expectation of return can lead to burnout and disappointment. 

To avoid making any ill-considered decisions, I've made a point of setting myself a specific, defined goal before making any moves. Knowing what we want makes it simpler to understand what we don't want and to stay away from circumstances that don't support our ultimate objectives.

A crucial communication skill for me has been developing the ability to establish expectations up front. I've been in awkward situations where misunderstandings or misalignments resulted in dissatisfaction on both sides. Before making any agreements, it's critical to clearly communicate our needs and truly comprehend the needs of others in order to avoid that.

Of course, there will always be situations where things don't go as planned or where we put in more than we get out, but by being deliberate about who we invest our time and energy in and setting clear expectations, we can reduce the likelihood of feeling resentful or exploited.

Building my net worth and growing my network are essential for creating opportunities and having a positive impact on the community I serve. When I chose to turn my passion into a full-time business instead of just pursuing it as a side project, I had to make some difficult decisions that some of the people around me thought were selfish.

But I believe that prioritizing our own growth and development with the end goal of giving back to our communities is the most selfless and noble path we can take.