How can I bring value? Is this the question we often think about? In reality we probably concentrate more on how we can feel valuable and be treated differently. Success is an identity crisis and is always connected to how we view ourselves. We put ourselves in a mental state of being reactive instead of proactive. We need to understand that being valuable is a result, while bringing value is an action. Viktor Frankl, the famous holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, once said “The key to staying in meaning is to stay in motion...” He did not mean to stay busy but to move in a direction with purpose. We are not what we have done, but what we decide to repeatedly do in the future. It is a scientific fact that we process and execute best in steps of 3 to 4….Successful people have an intentional daily mindset and they understand it is connected to simple choices. So I am going to give you a list of 6 daily choices; that if you choose and consistently do any 3 of them… You will see a difference in how you see yourself and in your impact…

• Emphasize The Little Things: Details matter and taking pride in the details is essential. How many times have we walked in the building and decided not to notice a piece of trash on the sidewalk? Do we care enough about our professional presentation? Am I viewing each task and my environment as important? Am I seeking perfection? Seeing the details is a choice and it sends the message that you care.
• Example, Be It: Decide that you are going to be the example of the mission and vision… That it will be seen in every aspect of your life. People first learn by what they see before they attempt to do anything. Your greatest leadership action is the example you set. Being the example requires no words but consistent action. It is uncommon and will make people ask the question why?
• Experience, Share It: Be vulnerable and share your successes, failures, and adversities. Your life story is not meant to be bottled up only for you. The hard times that you have battled through has qualified you to teach others. Offer and share your ways and tips of success…. The world gets better when you are seeking to improve those around you.
• Erase The Negative: Step up in the face of gossip, wrong doing, and negativity. People love to create their own narrative and the story teller has all the power. The greatest battle for organizational growth is always internal vs external. The most dangerous cancer is the one that is left ignored… Too often people take the approach that they are better off staying out of it…. Remember that all it takes for evil to conquer, is for good people to do nothing.
• Encourage Others: We will forget what someone said that made us upset, but we will never forget what someone said to encourage us… Life is hard and no one is immune from self-confidence issues… Seeking to encourage others is a servant’s choice, because it is solely about the other person. People will always remember how you make them feel and you can be a much needed blessing everyday.
• Expect Nothing In Return: The fastest way to drain your impact is to fuel your action with reinforcement and appreciation. Do not worry about other people noticing, getting a thank you, or a word of encouragement back. There is freedom in not expecting anything in return. Your value is not found in someone else’s action but in your consistent choice to bring value.

What we find is that when we focus on bringing value, then we start to feel more valuable. When I focus more on what I am doing, then I worry less about what other people think… You will find your own value in self-gratification, in a raised personal standard, and in accomplishing a daily process. We can be more valuable right were we are, and each day is sprinkled with opportunities. The choice is yours…

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9