by JustDanny

Created on: July 21, 2008

Price check please, on... Myself?

Upon reading this subject title, my thoughts raced in a few directions at once, like street racers at the sound of sirens. Value is the worth of something; its meaning and importance to someone.

How do we really measure our value, and also, increase that moving forward? Where is the barcode reader of life?

As I chase my thoughts around the carpark, there are a few keys which are required in order to open the self-value door:

1. Being comfortable within yourself
The first key of value within all of us is being comfortable with waking up to life, and the measures you've used to get where you are. We need to be able to look in the mirror and be proud of our own life, before expecting anyone else to be.

Self-criticism is the first step, in both gaining value, and being able to measure it. We need the ability to identify areas of weakness, things we would have done differently, and be humble enough to accept them. The ability to find something you did which you particular admire, or are proud of, is also important.

2. Valuing the thoughts of others
I've always held the opinion that it's not possible to judge yourself, and that bias in blinding. I've always believed that the people around us, friends, family, even strangers, are best placed to fairly judge our performance in life.

Although this maybe a fairly simplistic view, it does hold true in that many people are often too hasty in given themself positive feedback. Criticism should be viewed only as a device to promote improvement, rather than an insult.
Take the good with the bad. Be flattered with affirmative judgements, and try to use any negative ones constructively.

3. Ongoing improvement
No one is perfect. No one has all the answers, or does everything correctly. The mindset of wanting to improve, learn, & grow is integral to maintaining already achieved value, and also moving forward in life. Without this attitude, we as human beings tend to stagnate. Without goals to aim for, pulling us forward, we become circumstance quick-sand victims.

Every circumstance in life presents an opportunity for growth. Highs present success and glory, from which winning formulas can be stored. Lows give us the chance to grow from mistakes, when given the same opportunity again. Life cannot be measured on a straight line; it is by nature dynamic, and as such, our learning needs to continue in order to develop the strength to overcome the next inevitable hurdle.

Life is about challenges. Life is about overcoming those challenges, and retaining something to show for it: value.

Value is a commodity not tradable, nor one able to be gained quickly. Like it's friends, respect and status, value is not something which can be taught.

So as we all amble down the grocery store isle, wondering what the final price will come to, have a look back, and it just might give you a hint as to what to do in the future.

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