Let’s face it, the gift-giving season is fun – and stressful. Finding that perfect gift for someone isn’t always the easiest thing, and we tend to put a ton of pressure on ourselves to produce that wow factor for people in our lives.

I want to remind you that gifting isn’t about the price tag. It’s about the thought. Take this gift I received from my friend Pia, for instance. When Profit First launched, she sent me this dollar in a shadow box. It’s a pretty simple present, but also one that resonated with me so deeply, that I’ve kept it on display for nearly a decade. Whenever anyone asks about it or I have the opportunity to explain the meaning behind it, my heart swells with joy and appreciation.

When I received this gift from Pia, I instantly felt seen and understood. It felt as though my colleague understood all of the work and dedication it took to get my baby, my book, out there into the world, and she was saying, “Way to go, Mike! You DID it!”.

Now, I listen. In morning huddles, at speaking engagements, at home. I try to find gifts specific to that person and what they’re all about. Examples of things I’ve gotten for my team are a coffee pot for Amy when her’s died, a signed Phish album for Erin, a “Fixed – You Look Good to Me” stamp for Jenna in our office who’s a clinical therapist intern, and even a guitar for a fellow author who chatted with me about loving it.

It’s more than a cliche – the best gifts are always the ones from the heart.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and health and prosperity always.
-Mike