Grant explores the differences between givers who burn out and givers who are able to maintain their motivation and enthusiasm. He introduces two categories of givers: selfless givers and “otherish” givers. Selfless givers give to others without regard for their own well-being; they may give out of a sense of duty or obligation. Otherish givers give to others while also prioritizing their own needs and well-being; they understand the importance of taking care of themselves in order to continue giving effectively. Selfless givers score high in other-interest and low in self-interest, whereas otherish givers score high in both other-interest and self-interest.

Grant contends that giver burnout is not necessarily caused by giving too much, but rather a lack of meaning and fulfillment. Givers burn out when they don’t feel like their giving is truly helping or when they’re unable to see the impact of their work. On the other hand, if they glimpse a more immediate or greater impact from their giving, they are more likely to maintain their motivation and avoid burnout. As an example, Grant discusses a study he conducted of university students working in a call center.