Becoming a High-Value Person
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Once upon a time I believed that high-value people were only those with status: influence, financial clout or a broad-reaching network. I was wrong.
If we reframe the meaning of a high-value person, we elevate a lot of people who are undermined in society. That may include you.
The above mentioned people are indeed high value… however, the title of high-value person is not limited to that demographic. Some of those wealthy, influential people (influencers) may be of high value in certain areas, but not across the board. Maybe they provide very little emotional value to those they love; think of the overworked executive who has very little time and energy for the kids. That person is of very little emotional value; and money is not everything.
You can become a high-value person in any field; a stay-home-mom or -dad with a net worth of zero, or with a social network of just your dog or cat/gold fish; and of course aunt Sally.
It’s about how you are helping, supporting and understanding people. It’s about emotional intelligence.
The last words of Steve Jobs, billionaire, dead at 56:
"I have reached the summit of success in the world of business." In the eyes of others, my life is a success.
However, aside from work, I had little joy. In the end, wealth is just a fact I am used to.
At this moment, laying on my hospital bed, remembering my whole life, I realize that all the gratitude and wealth in which I took so much pride, has vanished and became meaningless in the face of imminent death.
You can hire someone to drive your car or make money for you but it's impossible to hire someone to deal with sickness and die for you.
Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost - "Life".
Whatever stage of life we are currently in, with time, we will face it the day the curtain closes.
Love your family, spouse and friends... Treat them right . Cherish them.
As we get older, and wiser, we slowly realize that wearing a $300 or $30 watch - both give the same hour...
Whether we have a $300 or $30 wallet or purse - the amount inside is the same;
Whether we drive a $150,000 car or $30,000 car, the road and distance are the same, and we arrive at the same destination.
That we drink a bottle of wine at 1000. $ or $10 hangover is the same;
That the house we live in is 300 or 3000 square feet - the loneliness is the same.
You will realize that your true inner happiness does not come from material things of this world.
Whether you travel first class or economic class, if the plane crashes, you crash with it...
Therefore .. I hope you realize, when you have friends, boyfriends and old friends, brothers and sisters, with whom you argue, laugh, talk, sing, talk about north-south-east or heaven and earth,.... This is the real happiness!!
An indisputable fact of life:
Don't educate your kids to be rich. Educate them to be happy. So when they grow up they will know the value of things and not the price.
Here are 9 ways to gauge your social worth.
The way you show up (be authentic, respectful and kind)
The way you communicate (sincere)
Be impeccable with your word
Your intentions (purpose)
Have more empathy with healthy boundaries
Show them you care
Giving back or paying it forward
Be a safe person (trustworthy / non-judgmental)
Society is emotionally struggling, in particular, the younger generations who need more emotional support than actual financial resources or celebrity.
As a parent, as a friend, lover, partner; be the best version of you for that person and you instantly become a high-value person. The best example I can think of, is a teacher. They rarely become financially wealthy… they are underpaid heroes! Yet, a good teacher brings infinite value to the next generation. I can think of one or two of my teachers who heavily influenced the course of my life, if not saved my life growing up as a kid lost in the British Child Care System. Their value was and is priceless.
Take a moment to self evaluate.
As a person, are you doing that little extra and being the best version of yourself with the wellbeing of others at heart? If yes, you are a high-value person. Congrats.
As a leader, are you inspiring and empowering your team? If you are, then you instantly become a high value leader. If you work at the register at Walmart, are your committed to providing great customer service to each and every person you ring up? If you do, then you are a high value person.
Have the mindset to want to reach higher each and every day, the mindset to do more for your village or community, the mindset to be more empathetic, to be more giving and caring etc. That is wealth right there.
If you are an influencer to the masses but provide little value to those who really need you: your kids, your significant other etc, then consider shifting the focus to those who really love you, not only those who admire you without knowing you. Ultimately, do that little extra and optimize who you are and become not only a high value person, but an extraordinary person. How to become your best self? Discover your IKIGAI
Former Miami Dolphins head coach, Jimmy Johnson, once said, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary, is that little extra.”
The choice is yours.
Sincerely,
Vital Germaine
