Curious about Value: How Do You Determine the “Value”? What Do You Value the Most?

Definition of Value: To estimate the value, or worth, of; to rate at a certain price; to appraise; to reckon with respect to number, power, importance, etc.. To rate highly; to have in high esteem; to hold in respect and estimation; to appreciate; to prize; as, to value one for his works or his virtues.

This past week, I experienced and excellent coaching session with a topnotch business consultant. He pointed out – and rightly so – that I have so many different career directions in my “Portfolio Career” that I can become scattered and unfocused. Therefore, he gave me the assignment to list the different careers and give each a value of A, B, or C. Not an easy task, because I love all of them.

Along with this homework, I have been reading the wise words of my favorite Internet gurus. I have encountered the word “value” numerous times. Over and over again, they have stressed the importance of creating content that has value, e-newsletters that provide value, videos with value, and making sure that any product we sell should have more value than expected.

If you are like I am, you have been disappointed with many of the programs and so-called miracle solutions you have purchased. Yes, most are guaranteed, but we fail to send them back.

When I looked up the “value” quotations, I found more than ever, so will share some that stood out from the plethora:

• “The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become.” - Jim Rohn, American businessman
• “Adversity, and perseverance and all these things can shape you. They can give you a value and a self-esteem that is priceless.” - Scott Hamilton, American athlete
• “It is the service we are not obliged to give that people value most.” - James Cash Penney, American businessman
• “Too many people today know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” - Ann Landers, American journalist
• “You must look within for value, but must look beyond for perspective.” - Denis Waitley, American writer
• “If you would know the value of money, go and try to borrow some.” - Benjamin Franklin, American politician

And, a few more for fun:

• “Freedom is a universal value.” - Jan Peter Balkenende, Dutch statesman
• “You will be as much value to others as you have been to yourself.” - Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman statesman
• “One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.” - Simone de Beauvoir, French writer
• “Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with.” - Mark Twain, American author
• “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” - Warren Buffett, American businessman
• “Simplicity and repose are qualities that measure the true value of any work of art.” - Frank Lloyd Wright, American architect
• “Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.” - Anton Chekhov, Russian dramatist

In addition, some to chew on:

• “Books, like proverbs, receive their chief value from the stamp and esteem of the ages through which they have passed.” - J. Paul Getty, American businessman
• “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” - Charles Darwin, English scientist
• “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” - Thomas A. Edison, American inventor

Ask yourself what you value the most. I share quotations to spur all of us – including myself – to think and consider life’s questions. Let me know if they are helping you.