ADDING VALUE EVERYWHERE

You’ll become priceless when you
learn to add value to others.

Adding value to other people is a very simple concept. When you do this, you develop the habit of being intentional about what you say and do. I’ve recently realized how important this is to me. When I initiate conversations with people, the first thing I’m trying to figure out is, “How can I help them move forward?”. The second question I’m asking is very similar. I want to know, “How can this person help me move forward?”. These two questions are the foundation of my relationship. Yes, trust is important.

But before I can trust you, I need to know that you desire to support my best interest. Before you trust me, you should feel confident that I care about you and what you aim to accomplish.

The idea of living this way seems radical when you consider our current culture. We’re taught, whether directly or indirectly, to do all we can to get all we can. This philosophy doesn’t support a life committed to adding value to other people. If you’re going to be effective in enhancing the lives of others, you need to be willing to sacrifice a bit of your own life. Adding value means being willing to put other people and their interests before yourself. The return on such an investment is enormous. But it does come with a price.

If you’re going to add value to people, you’ll also need to be someone of value. You’ll need to have something to offer, which means that you’ll need to be intentional about building up your personal development reservoir. You can’t give away something you don’t have. If you’re not consistently pouring into yourself, you won’t be equipped to pour into others. One must be learned in order to instruct.

People who add value to others do so intentionally. I say that because to add value, leaders must give of themselves, and that rarely occurs by accident.

- John Maxwell

My desire to be a blessing to others has always made me more blessed. I live a rich life because I’m focused on enriching others. It’s the best legacy one can leave. To be known as someone who empowers others to be their best self is a high honor. It’s worth any sacrifice that needs to be made.

Stay Inspired,
Sharlene