Albert Einstein said, “Only a life lived for others is worth living.”
Adding value to people’s lives is the key to success. A lot of people have been brought up to think there is only so much to go around, but that’s not true. When you add intrinsic value to someone’s life, you are not only feeding their souls, but also yours. There’s this interconnectedness and interdependence on people that I think we forget about sometimes. We need each other as a whole. That is why people are inherently social creatures. We crave and thrive off connection. When we show ourselves and others love, compassion, encouragement, support, and wisdom, the world changes. We add value to people and lives.
I think that when we help people with no ulterior motives and no expectations, it opens us up to greater possibilities. That stipulation no longer holds us back and it allows for a freedom of one's self.
Coaching is one area in my life that brings me so much joy. It requires my time and energy but allows me to see tangible results. There are many times I volunteer my time to my athletes and students and do not make any financial gains. I will spend hours of my time during the week just talking to people and giving them my knowledge, because I know it’s the right thing to do. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people develop into the person they see themselves as because you are there to help with their growth. When you begin to give freely of your time and energy, you no longer focus on the negative aspects of your life. You are more able to see the positiveness in the world around you and you have a better appreciation for what you have. To live authentically and genuinely is the best gift you can give the world.
In an effort to encourage adding value to people and to yourself, I would like to share a few ideas on how to add value to the world around you.
1. Do What You Love
When you are truly involved in what you love, you shine from the inside out. This attracts people like bees to sugar. The more people you include in your daily routine, the more you can contribute without over-extending yourself. People love people who are passionate. I feel it’s one of the laws of attraction that is easily available.
2. Education, Education, Education
Never ever stop learning. Do not quit. When you become stagnant, your mind becomes stagnant and we become shells. You have to keep filling yourself with knowledge. When you are constantly growing and expanding, you have given yourself the ability to help others move forward.
3. Acknowledge Others
To give someone words of affirmation takes two seconds of your time and it gives the other person a sense of well-being. When someone is being looked at and appreciated, they feel acknowledged in their particular skill set. Appreciation is knowing that you have added value to someone else or they have added value to you.
4. Create a Circle
When you volunteer to help others create something special in their work or personal lives, you are offering support in the most basic, easily accessible way. If it’s help with brainstorming, or even a listening ear, you are telling that person their ideas are worthy. Asking for nothing in return lets that person know that you look at them as an equal.
I believe value is a way of showing unconditional love to people. It is a way for others to understand that no matter what, you are there for them. The more we serve, the more the world benefits.
Peacefully,
Meredith
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