My Prompt to ChatGPT for this “Power of Service” post:
Please write a 550-word blog post about this quote, from this author. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others. M. Gandhi
Following is my edited version of what ChatGPT said:
The Best Way to Find Yourself: The Power of Service
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others.” These words hold profound wisdom, reminding us that true self-discovery and fulfillment come not from self-centered pursuits but from dedicating ourselves to others. In a world that often emphasizes personal achievement, wealth, and status, Gandhi’s message challenges us to shift our focus toward compassion, contribution, and selflessness.
The Paradox of Self-Discovery
Many people spend their lives searching for meaning and purpose. They chase career success, accumulate material possessions, or seek personal happiness through travel, hobbies, and entertainment. While these pursuits can bring joy, they often leave a lingering question: Is this all there is? Gandhi’s words suggest that the deepest sense of self-awareness and fulfillment doesn’t come from looking inward alone—it comes from looking outward, from engaging with and uplifting others.
There is a paradox at the heart of self-discovery: the more we focus on ourselves, the more elusive fulfillment becomes. But when we shift our attention to others—helping, supporting, and serving—the more we learn about who we truly are. We uncover our values, strengths, and the impact we can make in the world.
Service as a Path to Purpose
Throughout history, some of the most fulfilled and influential individuals have dedicated their lives to serving others. Whether it’s Mother Teresa caring for the poor, Martin Luther King Jr. advocating for civil rights, or frontline healthcare workers today saving lives, people who commit to service often find a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Service comes in many forms—it doesn’t require grand gestures or global movements. It can be as simple as mentoring a young person, volunteering at a local shelter, or helping a neighbor in need. Small acts of kindness, when done with sincerity, can have a significant impact on both the giver and the receiver.
How Service Transforms Us
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Fosters Gratitude: When we serve others, we become more aware of the struggles people face, helping us appreciate what we have. Gratitude shifts our mindset from scarcity to abundance.
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Builds Connection: Human beings thrive on connection. Acts of service create bonds that transcend superficial interactions, leading to deeper relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.
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Develops Empathy: By stepping into others’ shoes, we gain insight into different perspectives and experiences. This helps us become more compassionate and understanding individuals.
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Strengthens Resilience: When we see the challenges others endure and help them overcome obstacles, we build our own resilience and emotional strength.
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Reveals Our True Calling: Many people discover their passions and life’s work through service. Teaching, counseling, healthcare, social work, and other service-oriented fields often bring deep fulfillment to those who choose them.
Applying Gandhi’s Wisdom Today
In today’s fast-paced, often self-focused society, it’s easy to feel lost. The pressures of career advancement, social media comparison, and financial security can make us forget what truly matters. But Gandhi’s wisdom reminds us that by focusing on serving others, we find clarity, meaning, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Ask yourself: How can I serve today? It doesn’t have to be something big. A kind word, a small donation, a helping hand—all of these contribute to a more compassionate world and a more fulfilled self.
By losing ourselves in service, we don’t just help others—we uncover the best version of ourselves.
My Prompt to ChatGPT for an excuse to add to this “Power of Service” post:
Any dates coming up soon, related to M. Gandhi, that provide an ‘excuse’ for posting his quote?
Following is my edited version of what ChatGPT said:
As of today, February 16, 2025, there are no imminent dates directly associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s life events. The most recent significant date was January 30, 2025, marking the 77th anniversary of his assassination, observed in India as Martyrs’ Day. The next major commemoration will be on October 2, 2025, celebrating Gandhi Jayanti, which honors his birth anniversary and is also recognized globally as the International Day of Non-Violence. I decided no excuse to post on this subject is needed. It’s amazing how the Power of Service of some great people live on and on.
en.wikipedia.org < Mahatma Gandhi
However, an ongoing observance known as the “Season for Nonviolence” is currently underway. Established in 1998 by Arun Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, this annual 64-day campaign spans from January 30 to April 4. It honors the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., both of whom were pivotal advocates for nonviolent social change. The Season for Nonviolence promotes peace, nonviolence, and social justice through education, community engagement, and advocacy.
en.wikipedia.org < Season for Nonviolence
Given that we are currently within this period, sharing Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others,” is particularly timely. This quote encapsulates the essence of the Season for Nonviolence, emphasizing self-discovery through selfless service and the transformative power of nonviolent action.
Engaging with this observance provides an opportunity to reflect on and promote the principles that both Gandhi and Dr. King championed. By sharing this quote now, you contribute to the ongoing dialogue about peace, compassion, and community service, aligning with the global efforts to foster a culture of nonviolence during this significant period.
My last prompt to ChatGPT for the rest of this “Power of Service” post:
Following is my edited version of what ChatGPT said:
The Best Approach to Service in Commerce: Gandhi’s Timeless Wisdom
Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others,” is often interpreted in a spiritual or humanitarian context. However, this principle holds just as much weight in the world of business and commerce. In an era where competition is fierce and consumer expectations are higher than ever, the businesses that truly thrive are those that embrace service as their core philosophy.
When applied to commerce, Gandhi’s wisdom reveals a simple yet profound truth: success is not about chasing profits; it’s about creating value for others. By focusing on service, businesses build trust, loyalty, and a lasting impact—leading not only to financial success but also to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Why Service Is the Foundation of Great Businesses
At its core, commerce exists to solve problems, meet needs, and improve lives. Whether you’re selling a product, offering a service, or running a nonprofit, your success depends on how well you serve others. Businesses that embrace service as their primary goal tend to see benefits in three key areas:
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Building Customer Loyalty
Companies that put customers first create lasting relationships. People remember businesses that go above and beyond to serve them, and they reward those businesses with repeat purchases, word-of-mouth referrals, and positive reviews. Look at brands like Zappos, Nordstrom, and Apple—each has built a reputation on outstanding customer service, which has fueled their long-term success. -
Creating a Strong Company Culture
Organizations that prioritize service also create more engaged and fulfilled employees. When teams work toward a mission beyond just making money, they find deeper meaning in their work. This leads to higher morale, lower turnover, and better performance across the board. Employees who believe they are truly helping others are more invested in their roles and the success of the company. -
Generating Long-Term Growth
Businesses that focus on service outperform those that prioritize short-term profits. A customer-centric mindset leads to sustainable growth because it fosters trust, credibility, and positive brand perception. Amazon’s customer-obsessed philosophy, for example, has made it one of the most successful companies in history. It continuously reinvests in better ways to serve customers, leading to sustained expansion.
Applying Gandhi’s Wisdom to Business
So how can business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals apply Gandhi’s wisdom to their work? Here are some actionable ways:
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Adopt a Service-First Mentality
Instead of focusing on what you can get from your customers, shift your mindset to what you can give them. How can your product or service improve their lives? How can you make their experience smoother, easier, or more enjoyable? -
Listen Actively
Great service starts with understanding the needs of your customers. Listen to their feedback, ask the right questions, and genuinely seek to solve their problems. Businesses that listen and adapt are the ones that stay relevant. -
Lead with Integrity
Ethical business practices and transparency build trust. When customers know they can rely on you to do the right thing, they’ll remain loyal—even when competitors offer lower prices. -
Empower Employees to Serve
A company’s service philosophy must extend beyond leadership. Employees should be encouraged and trained to serve customers with excellence, whether they’re in sales, customer support, or any other role. -
Give Back to the Community
Many successful companies engage in corporate social responsibility by giving back to the communities they serve. This not only enhances their brand reputation but also aligns them with a higher purpose.
Finding Purpose in Commerce
Gandhi’s message suggests that true fulfillment doesn’t come from self-interest but from serving others. In business, this means that the most successful and meaningful companies are those that prioritize service. By focusing on providing value, solving problems, and making a difference in people’s lives, businesses naturally find their purpose—and, in the process, their greatest success.
In the world of commerce, service is not just a strategy; the Power of Service is the foundation of enduring businesses. When companies lose themselves in serving others, they ultimately find themselves as trusted brands, respected leaders, and agents of positive change.
I’m thankful that my company, OnYourMark.com LLC, included an hour of service each month, to do whatever we deemed was in the best interest of the most clients, in our business model before we sold our first web design and production job thirty years ago. That business model allows us to get results for clients and to feel good about what we do.
Notes on the construction of this Power of Service blog entry
It’s a Sunday morning. I just shoveled a dusting of snow from the driveway, after my wife, Cindy, and I shoveled 2 or 3 times yesterday and 5 or 6 times on Wednesday. I finished a great Audible book yesterday, decided an hour into another book today to shelve it for the time being, and started another, The Gift of Influence: Creating Life-Changing and Lasting Impact in Your Everyday Interactions. It’s like “Pay it Forward” on steroids. That’s where I got the “Power of Service” quotation, and the imperative to do this blog post. I want to share the book and the quotation with family, friends, team-mates at work, and the public. I took twenty seconds to prepare each prompt in ChatGPT. I rewrote a couple of the prompts, or at least tweaked them, once or twice. I reviewed and made minor and significant edits. I wrote some, edited some, and constructed the rest using AI.
Regards,
Keith
