value [val-yoo] – noun
1. relative worth, merit, or importance: the value of a college education; the value of a queen in chess.
2. monetary or material worth, as in commerce or trade: This piece of land has greatly increased in value.
3. the worth of something in terms of the amount of other things for which it can be exchanged or in terms of some medium of exchange.
4. equivalent worth or return in money, material, services, etc.: to give value for value received.
5. estimated or assigned worth; valuation: a painting with a current value of $500,000. — (Dictionary.com)
Value is something that I’ve started to think about on a daily basis with every aspect of my life.
What value do I bring to my employer?
What value do I bring to my family?
What value do I bring to my friends?
What value do I bring to my community?
What value do I bring to strangers?
What value do I bring to my own mind, spirit, and body?
If I give value to my employer, I will be deemed worthy of this job. If I give value to my family, I will be loved. If I give value to my friends, our relationships will flourish and grow. You get the idea.
A good friend of mine, let’s call him David, is self employed and works on cars: Car repair, car customizing, car maintenance. He charges very little compared to a lot of shops and store fronts. I’ve told David many times that he should charge more for his services because he does phenomenal work. He says he is afraid of not getting enough work if his prices are set too high. David continues to get small jobs here and there, and he continues to charge very little.
He says “It’s okay, I don’t have many bills.”
I realized how he values himself and his work. He has self limiting beliefs on what he thinks his craft is worth. He gives a lot of value but expects very little. He justifies his low prices because he doesn’t have many bills. Is David just a good guy that has very little needs? Or does he have untapped potential to become a highly successful person?
Ask yourself if you’re the one holding yourself back from success…
