There’s a secret to how you give. Get it wrong, and you’ll feel nothing. Get it right, and it’ll change everything. 

<> 

“Engaging in benevolent acts and expecting kindness from others both matter for individual happiness levels…. the wellbeing benefits of benevolent acts depend on why and how people do things for others.” —Gallup 2025 World Happiness Report

I doubt you needed Gallup to tell you that.

We all know that giving will make us happier. And, most of us have the time and resources to give significantly (whether we admit it or not).

Then, why don’t we all do it?

The simple answer is, we’re doing it wrong.

The secret to giving and unlocking that happiness is simple: you must identify the problem you’re most passionate about helping to solve.

There are more than 1,000,000 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States. Choosing one cause can seem overwhelming.

Here are 3 questions to help guide you in the right direction:

1. Have you done charitable work in any of these areas in the past that you thoroughly enjoyed (e.g. mission trip as a youth, etc.)?
2. Do you have unique life experience with any of these challenges (e.g. family member who suffered from cancer, etc.)?
3. Have you developed any unique skillsets that have prepared you to solve a specific challenge (e.g. you build houses for a living and are interested in homelessness)?

If none of these questions resonate with you, that’s okay! Check out Generosity First for a list and resources to get started. And if you need more help, send me an email. I’d be happy to help.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your journey!

<>

—CJ McClanahan

Speaker | Advisor | Recovering Overachiever

CJ McClanahan