Maimonides, one of history’s most enlightened men, said the highest level of giving charity is by helping someone to become self-sufficient. By doing this you not only give of your time, money or energy, you give that needy person something of greater value… you instill in him/her self worth and self respect

When you find people who need a job, do what you can to help them earn some money. Give them some work to do, assist them in getting a job interview, help them to market themselves, discover a skill they have which might be turned into something income producing, or even give them a little seed money to become an entrepreneur.

By doing this you will perform at the highest level of charity giving. They will appreciate it, but you will feel the greatest appreciation from within.

It’s natural to feel frustrated when you fail at something, but don’t get angry about it. Learn to appreciate it.

It’s important to continually learn. A stagnant mind is no different from a stagnant pool of water: It eventually becomes smaller and contaminated. There is always something attainable from a setback. A discouraging event can bring a new insight. Learn from it and become more resourceful. It will uplift your spirit and your soul. 

There are those whose goal is for self-fulfillment and not for self-improvement. Their selfishness not only blinds them to the needy, but also to the Holy.

When you see the needy and do something for them, the Holy sees you and does something for you.    

Whether you vote during an election, whether you help someone in need, or whether you connect with your Supreme Being in some way, the same adage holds true:

Doing something is better than doing nothing.