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Causes define the world. Worthy ideals, vital support systems: there are endless quests to choose and endless paths to take. And you… wish to experience them all. Volunteering is not a burden. Instead you consider it a value — wanting to offer your time, energy and passion to those who need it most.

Choosing just one venture seems impossible, however. You find yourself struggling to decide which cause is most important to you. Sympathy demands that you sample them all — and you do, dedicating yourself to a different philosophy each day.

The result is disastrous.

Those wishing to volunteer must refrain from over-extending themselves. Wanting to offer aid to every issue is understandable; maintaining the necessary patience, scheduling and energy for it, however, is impossible. Individuals will devote themselves to traveling between venues more than offering support.

It’s necessary to select one idea first. Volunteers — like yourself — should choose the cause that most appeals, giving all free time to it (instead of dividing their hours into useless little pieces). Narrowing the focus offers greater rewards: with individuals able to offer their complete attentions and skills.

And charities need this more than anything. Only an estimated 15 percent of the population offer their services to causes each year. This leaves many organizations without the necessary support — lacking the ability to accomplish what they need. Volunteers must therefore be fully functioning: rather than bounding from idea to idea and achieving little.

Choose one cause and reap the benefits.