I’m in the midst of an epiphany, friends. Over the past couple of days, all my swirling thoughts about doing good have coalesced into one, unified, clear framework: The Savvy Do Gooding Way.

It’s a general philosophy about how the whole shebang should work. It offers:

  • Reconnection with the drive to do good
  • Freedom from the pressure to “do more” or “give more”
  • Understanding of why so many of us are becoming burned out and jaded about making a difference
  • Empowerment to follow the path that makes sense for us, and only that path; guilt free
  • Freedom from the idea that doing good has to mean sacrifice
  • An approach to doing good that is manageable, effective, and rewarding

Within the SDG Way, there are three components. In order of importance, they are:The SDG Way

  1. The Do Gooder Lifestyle
  2. The Do Gooder at Work
  3. The Savvy Giver

Lifestyle is first because no one can avoid having impact through their lifestyle choices and we all have an obligation to try to make that impact positive. At Work is next because many of us wield our greatest power to do good as employees. employers, and/or entrepreneurs; and most of us are impacting the greater good in some way through our work. The Savvy Giver is last because giving is a completely optional approach to doing good and should only be embarked upon when we are ready to give it the time and attention it requires to be done well.

The SDG Way and the three components are all rich areas of discussion and learning. The Way gives us the general philosophy and attitude to aid in our quest to be savvy. Each of the 3 components provides a wealth of knowledge about how to pursue them, success stories from other changemakers, and practical tips on how to get started.

This is going to inform a lot of my work going forward. What do you think – does it make as much sense to you as it does to me?