By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz
Every morning, I wake up hoping that I will help at least one person that day; that I may be of value to others. I head to work and spend most of my time interacting with people—family, new and current clients, team members, strategic partners and members of the media. Everybody is trying to get something done, and everyone believes that what they are doing is important.
But how do we bring the very best of ourselves into ever interaction, every task, every challenge we face?
To increase your value to others, you must use your skills and talents to add value to the group, the project, and the conversation. By improving your skills and talents, not only do you help yourself, but also every person you come in contact with.
Do you ever wonder how you can contribute more to your family, workplace, and society? Do you want to do more for your community and use your own knowledge and experience to elevate others as well? At the end of the day, no one can increase your ability to bring value to others except you. Learning how to elevate your value and “hit the mark” for others is a step-by-step process. It all begins with…
COURAGE
Before you can increase your value you need to have courage. Sometimes this means having the courage to change. Benjamin Mee, the acclaimed author of the book turned movie, “We Bought a Zoo”, says that sometimes, you just need “20 seconds of insane courage” to take that first step…whether it be asking for something, taking a leap (actually or figuratively!), signing up for something, etc. Take initiative and don’t be afraid to try new things that may improve your skills, or help you make connections with others. It is the first step to increasing your self-value.
EXPERIENCE
Once you have the courage to try something new, you will encounter a new experience. Your courageous turn of events may lead to learning something new, traveling somewhere, attending an event, doing something you’ve never done before, creating an important relationship or joining a new organization, etc.
KNOWLEDGE
From your experience, whatever it is, you will gain knowledge. Now you have something new that you can share with people or use in service to others. Knowledge is powerful and can lead you to even greater things, mainly…
SELF-VALUE
This is at the heart of what makes you unique and is at the center of what you can offer others. Be of value to others by regarding your feelings and thoughts as a barometer. Allow positive thoughts to propel you to help others. Dispel negative thoughts and feelings that may have the opposite effect. Depending on your actions, you have the power to elevate or disappoint others. Choose to empower, choose to share, choose to use your value to make a difference for others!
As someone who reflects on this every day, creating this formula has helped me elevate my value to others and help more people, which is my daily goal. I begin with courageous actions that lead to valuable experiences, which bring knowledge and ultimately improve my self-value, which I then use to add value to everything that I do for others. Now, you can see the connection as well.
If I can ever be of service to you or your organization to help educate and explain how to elevate your value to help others, feel free to contact me for a presentation.