What is value?
Although monetary worth is a standard definition of value when discussing products and services, as it relates to what people are prepared to pay in exchange for the benefits they anticipate receiving, value encompasses much more. A thing’s value is good it does for its owner or the significance it holds in another person’s eyes. It’s not always physical and may mean something different to various people.
The root meaning of value comes from:
Old French meaning “worth, price, moral worth; standing, reputation.” The past participle of valoir, “be worth,” from Latin valere, “be strong, be well; be of value, be worth.”
A person’s values are the set of principles that they hold most dear and which serve to direct their behavior. They aid in the process of prioritization. Values explain the personal attributes we embody to guide our activities, the type of person we aspire to be, how we treat ourselves and others, and our engagement with the environment around us. They serve as standard operating procedures.
The term “values” is often used with a restricted meaning to refer to something excellent, desirable, or worthy. Values are what drive people to take meaningful action. Motives come in numerous shapes and sizes and are why we take action. One’s moral compass is informed by personal ideals, which vary widely. Cultural values are those that are shared by a group of people, whether they be religious or secular.
“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” —Roy E. Disney
Values are not equal between individuals
Value defines the connection between an individual and a purpose. What one individual finds essential in a given scenario may not be the same for another. For instance, in Sophocles: Philoctetes:
After ten years, the Greeks managed to capture the son of Priam, the Trojan seer Helenus. He predicts victory will be theirs using the bow of Heracles and the skills of expert archer Philoctetes. Odysseus and Neoptolemus (son of Achilles) set sail for Lemnos to retrieve Philoctetes. This is no easy feat, as Philoctetes harbors deep resentment toward Odysseus and the Greeks for abandoning him in the Trojan War.
Their landing on the island marks the beginning of Sophocles’ Philoctetes. Neoptolemus is told by Odysseus that, to achieve future glory, he must do a shameful act: he must deceive Philoctetes by lying to him while Odysseus is hidden away. It takes considerable persuasiveness to convince Neoptolemus to fulfill this role, as he is presented as an ethical youngster. To win Philoctetes over, Neoptolemus has him believe that he, too, despises Odysseus. For this purpose, Neoptolemus tells Philoctetes that Odysseus has the armor of Achilles, Neoptolemus’s father. He explains to Philoctetes that this suit of armor was his by birthright and that Odysseus would never give it up. After winning Philoctetes’ trust and granting him a ride home, Neoptolemus is permitted to look at the bow of Heracles.
While Philoctetes’ foot is in excruciating pain, Neoptolemus keeps the bow steady. Neoptolemus considers returning it to him but feels guilty about doing so. There are several heated exchanges after Odysseus’s arrival. The voice of conscience in Neoptolemus wins out, and he returns the bow. Odysseus runs away when he and his men are threatened on all sides. Philoctetes is persuaded by Neoptolemus to visit Troy of his own will, but he ultimately refuses. Finally, Neoptolemus agrees to return Philoctetes to Greece, although doing so will incur the wrath of the troops. This looks to be the climax of the play. However, Heracles (now a divinity) appears above them as they depart. He promises Philoctetes that if he travels to Troy, he will be cured, and the Greeks will prevail. Philoctetes heeds him without question.
Generally, deceit is frowned upon, but in this case, given the stakes of the Trojan War, Helenus’s prophesy, and the advice of Odysseus to trick Philoctetes. Neoptolemus was initially reluctant and preferred to be straightforward and even to drag him back rather than lie as it went against his value of good deeds. Throughout the story, he feels guilty for misleading Philoctetes. In contrast, Odysseus saw it as necessary to win the Trojan War.
That said, it helps build a paradigm for identifying, adopting, and acting within one’s values. There is a multitude of types of values: moral, ethical, and aesthetic, that make up this framework of cultivating and providing value in individuals and society. Beginning with aesthetic value.
What is an aesthetic value?
“Art is the aesthetic ordering of experience to express meanings in symbolic terms.” —Daniel Bell
Aesthetic values are the qualities of something or someone that cause people to form opinions about or respond to them in contrasting ways. We may develop both verbal and nonverbal evaluations of the world around us based on the features of things like works of art, natural landscapes, people, systems, and situations. These evaluations project our moral or ethical assessment of objects and ideals or derive from the natural world to influence our perception of reality, such as whether they are good, evil, or convenient.
Analyzing the definition and history of the word “aesthetic” is the first step in grasping the discussed concept. It is a branch of philosophy concerned with the analysis of aesthetic experience. Since aesthetics is a malleable word that may take on new meanings in different contexts, it can be used to talk about people and their customs.
The cultural subject is all-encompassing since it is understood that works of art reflect many demographics within a culture. Since every culture in the globe is unique, it is possible to attribute various aesthetic values to each of them. It may be used on industrial things that are valuable in and of themselves.
Thus, we perceive and depict nature with positive (beauty, harmony, or balance) Venus de Milo and negative qualities (decay, tragedy, or chaos) in the Battle of the Somme. A visible reflection of the moral and ethical values we hold in the culture.
“Aesthetic matters are fundamental for the harmonious development of both society and the individual.” —Friedrich Schiller
What are Moral Values?
The beliefs of right and wrong that guide one’s actions and decisions are known as moral values.
They guide us in making moral choices and inspire us to act ethically.
Honesty, respect, accountability, compassion, and forgiveness are only a few of the most crucial moral principles.
Why are Moral Values Important?
The proper decisions in life are much easier to make when we have a strong moral compass. A firm grasp of good and wrong is essential, so developing moral principles is equally crucial. Additionally, they can aid in cultivating compassion and an awareness of the results of our actions.
Are Moral Values Learned or Innate?
Almost everyone accepts the idea that morals and ethics can be taught.
In other words, they are not innate but developed over time due to exposure to various environments and interactions with others.
We learn generosity, honesty, and responsibility from a young age.
As we become older, we learn new moral lessons from our loved ones and the community at large.
Television, literature, and movies all have a role in shaping our understanding of right and wrong. But many think that morality is hardwired into us from birth. This indicates that we do not need to consciously acquire them, as they are inherent to our nature.
Our moral standards are instead embedded in our DNA.
Whether we’re altruistic or selfish is a nature vs. nurture debate. As more and more studies evaluate this debate, it has been shown through human evolutionary history that we developed a capacity for both: the ability to act selfishly and compete for resources and cooperation and kindness to thrive together in a society.
What are ethical values?
Values are crucial to ethics. Ethical values are normative factors that serve as behavioral guidelines to constrain human action. But it must be made clear that ethics is the study of morality and the analysis of moral systems for their practical application in personal and societal life. These moral standards are based on what “should be” or what is generally agreed upon in society.
Although the meaning of these phrases will change throughout time, ethical standards are timeless concepts that help humans determine right from wrong. According to Immanuel Kant, the consequences of human activities are susceptible to accidents and circumstances, regardless of how rationally the individual behaves.
Therefore, in each case, one must treat people as if they were an aim and never merely a means. The morality of an act should not be assessed by its effects but rather by its ethical reason. Immanuel Kant argued that doing something out of pure obligation rather than doing so would help us reach some end is desirable in and of itself.
“If you look at great human civilizations, from the Roman Empire to the Soviet Union, you will see that most do not fail simply due to external threats but because of internal weakness, corruption, or a failure to manifest the values and ideals they espouse.” —Cory Booker
Difference Between Ethical Values and Moral Values
A group’s moral values are a set of tenets, guidelines, and standards that emerge from shared beliefs and practices within society. Ethical standards let one decide between good and wrong, fair and unjust, via introspection and study.
Therefore, we know that moral principles apply to a community. In contrast, ethical guidelines are developed by introspection into what constitutes proper behavior. Ethical judgments tend to be stable, yet they may shift if the subject’s ideas, views, or circumstance calls for it.
“A man is truly ethical only when he obeys the compulsion to help all life which he is able to assist, and shrinks from injuring anything that lives.” —Albert Schweitzer
Origin of ethical values
The evolution of some semblance of morality started with animism in pre-history, which is the idea that everything in the physical world, including people, has a soul. Animals, plants, rocks, rivers, weather systems, human-made objects, and even words may all be seen through animism, which views everything as having a soul.
This was common among our distant ancestors and is still practiced in many remote tribes worldwide. This system placed totems and taboos that distinguished what behaviors were sacred. When violated, the punishment usually resulted in ostracization or death—more so death.
In the Bronze Age, a mythos-religious system grew and merged with many gods as different cultures assimilated. The gods are often associated with creation myths and an afterlife linked to various natural objects and phenomena. These deities informed ethical living standards while maintaining features from animism, such as the soul.
The rise of monotheistic faiths like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, in contrast to polytheistic religions, resulted in the transmission of moral teachings from God to the faithful.
In the wake of the Scientific Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment, some people looked to other philosophical systems for guidance as they established their core principles.
Before revealing the type of core values to adopt and practice in one’s life, it helps to distinguish what values are antithetical: anti-values.
What are anti-values?
People’s actions are regulated and guided by their society’s ethical and moral norms. Antithetical behaviors go against or reflect the opposite of these principles. As a result, ideals like fairness, loyalty, thankfulness, and community are at odds with these destructive beliefs.
When discussing values in general, there tends to be a range of interpretations when anti-values are brought up. We may find metonymic meanings for any word (like how we often associate Dionysus with wine). Greek literature frequently uses the holy name as a metonymy for the beverage.
There are infinite possible meanings due to the words’ ability to retain metonymic and metaphorical connotations. A region’s or a group’s negative values may be seen as an asset by those in another (for example, disobedience characterizes heroism in certain situations where there is slavery and submission).
To summarize the thorny debate over what constitutes good and evil, this ambiguous course we are charting is apt. To what extent it acts as an anti-value remains to be seen. When does it become the reverse, or does it become an anti-value?
I will provide the following illustration to further explain what constitutes an anti-value.
In classical Greece, the Greeks had a strong dislike for hubris. Many crimes, including rape and disrespect of the dead, were considered to be committed by those who were too proud to admit they had done anything wrong. The Greeks did not view pride and vanity as sinful in and of themselves, but they did stress moderation. Like any other sin, pride might become hubris only when taken to extremes. Both food and alcohol were viewed in the same light. It was not acceptable to go to extremes. For instance, the ancient Greeks equally valued physical prowess and mental acuity. In several of their matches, both teams were competitors. It was not bad if one’s pride did not consume them or harm others.
It is not uncommon for people to adopt anti-values when they often see others avoiding the signs that represent their values (ethical or moral). However, as the ancient Greeks, hubris drew out what constitutes good or bad by polarizing the concept; this informed the framework of moral values at a cultural level.
“All life demands struggle. Those who have everything given to them become lazy, selfish, and insensitive to the real values of life. The very striving and hard work that we so constantly try to avoid is the major building block in the person we are today.” —Pope Paul VI
Values and anti-values: comparison
As a subset of society, members separate from institutional ethical codes such as religions or a society’s cultural philosophy. Any attempt to draw parallels between values and anti-values will always be subject to the individual’s personal experience and external influences.
But, generally, the most used comparison is the one used about hubris. Societies develop laws or stigmas to combat anti-values (extreme behaviors) that everything that characterizes drunkenness, excessiveness, or corruption is addressed and taught through education. Unfortunately, some institutions, rather than serving the public good, are co-opted by an ideology that ferments unhealthy values that slowly destroy a society.
“All media exist to invest our lives with artificial perceptions and arbitrary values.” —Marshall McLuhan
The philosophy of providing value
In recent years, the philosophy of providing value to people has gained popularity. The basic idea is that instead of getting people to do what we want, we should focus on giving them what they need or want. There are many benefits to this approach. First, it builds trust and rapport. When we provide value to someone, they are more likely to trust us and be more receptive to our message. Second, it creates goodwill. By focusing on giving rather than taking, we create a positive impression that can lead to future opportunities.
Value isn’t just about what we can tangibly get from someone or something. It’s about the feeling of worth we experience when we receive something valuable. And it’s not just material goods – anything that brings us happiness, satisfaction, or a sense of connection can be helpful. It promotes goodwill in society, a contagion that spreads.
When we provide value to others, we’re not just giving them something – we’re giving them a piece of ourselves. We’re showing them that we care and want to improve their lives. In turn, they often reciprocate by doing the same for us. An old saying goes: “The world gives to the givers and takes from the takers.” This is true on a micro-scale and a macro-scale. If we can create a world built on giving rather than taking, we can make something remarkable. That’s what I want to do with my life.
Finally, it simply feels good. Helping others is its reward; when people consider providing value to others, they’ll feel happier and more fulfilled. It’s a win-win. While there are many ways to give value to others, delivering high-quality content and information is the most effective. When we create something that others find helpful or interesting, they will be more receptive to our message.
The psychology of providing value
In today’s society, getting caught up in the “me” mentality is easy. What can I do for myself? How can I get ahead? Often, we forget that there is value in giving to others. When we provide value to others, we are not only helping them, but we are also helping ourselves.
So, what is the psychology behind providing value to others? There are many reasons why giving to others is beneficial for both the giver and the receiver. We feel good about ourselves when we give and help improve the world.
There is something about helping others that makes us feel good about ourselves. We may not realize it, but we get a natural high from knowing that we have helped someone else. This is because of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This neurotransmitter is responsible for the “feel good” feeling we get when we do something good for others. It is also one of the reasons why giving can help us feel more satisfied with life.
Furthermore, it also helps us to feel more connected with other people. It is hard to feel isolated and alone when giving to others. This is why helping others can help us build stronger relationships, and it can also help everyone create a sense of community in their life.
Helping others can also improve our health. Studies have shown that when we help others, it helps to reduce our blood pressure and stress levels. This is because helping others gives us a sense of purpose in life. We are making a difference when we help other people. We are improving the world and filling our lives with meaning and purpose.
By understanding the psychology of value, we can create values that foster and grow social norms perceived as worthwhile. Here is a fundamental psychological principle to keep in mind.
The more an individual thinks about something, the stronger that association becomes, known as the Reticular Activating System (RAS). The more and more of something they see (are aware) of, the more significance it holds and influences their actions. Incorporate all our ideas. They place a high value on them (ego-driven). Therefore, the RAS seeks confirmation and support of their existing worldview (Confirmation Bias). They make up their own world and live in it. This is why it’s dangerous to have a negative internal dialogue.
“You are what you believe yourself to be”
This festered the Malaise of the United States’ cultural emphasis on individualism in the value of independence, individuality, and autonomy. Nothing inherently wrong with these values, with positives like a celebration of diversity, self-expression, and personal development. On the flip side, it has created people who must stand out with an uptick in disunity, lower empathy, a disconnected sense of support, and a rise in depression and anxiety levels. This is driven early on by being successful means achieving high marks in school and getting into the best university, competition for a high-paying and prestigious job, celebrity worship, comparisonitis, and owning the fanciest toys. A stigma on those who don’t achieve these things or look down upon less favorably because they work at a low-end job. Therefore, seeing more and more of this cultural feature drives more people to adopt this value system.
Whereas, at a cultural level, with institutions like family, education, and government, a joint promotion of social values and achieving self-actualization through integrating the conscious and the unconscious: individuation. The individual returns to society a more wholesome person, and culture wins in the collective goodwill of humanity.
Implications of moral principles on psychological well-being
One of the moral failings in many western societies is the black-and-white concept of whether something is positive or negative without making room for the all-in-between. The well-known human dichotomy or dualism between doing good and doing evil.
Categorizing thoughts and behaviors into two opposite camps clarifies the importance of distinguishing extreme behaviors, such as pride because humans are a creature of extremes if left to their own devices. Thus, the dark side of pride sticks out more in the collective consciousness due to the magnitude of harm it causes than its positive counterpart. For instance, we identify an element of vanity, a preoccupation with our appearance, physical ability, or status. Second, beneath that vanity, stubbornness shuns correction—the person is incapable of error. And the last dimension of pride is exclusion—excluding others who are not worthy of the person’s interest and are believed to be above others. Yet, this doesn’t make pride itself “bad,” but leaning too much into its darker elements rears its ugly head. Remember, there can be a positive attribute to pride, the ability to have self-respect and take joy in one’s honest efforts and accomplishments.
Nietzsche’s revealed argument is a cornerstone of this antithesis (Thus Spoke Zarathustra). There has been a “passive nihilism,” the author writes, in which conventional values are no longer influential, a resignation from life and social responsibility.
Nietzsche said vehemently that “God is dead.” He was sure that conventional moral norms were the product of morality formed by weak and resentful individuals who fostered subservient and conformist behaviors or actions because these tacit ideals served their interests.
Because of this, the author rejects the idea that conventional moral standards must be replaced or transformed, a process that would otherwise bring him to the “übermensch” framework (superman).
According to Freudian theory, conventional moral standards are antagonistic to the id. In contrast, Nietzsche argues that they are averse to the Dionysian and produce a panegyric idea of the uniqueness of everything, which reflects the Apollonian.
Sigmund Freud reveals the dual sources of guilt in his book, Civilization and its Discontents:
“A relatively strict and vigilant conscience is the very sign of a virtuous man, and though saints may proclaim themselves sinners, they are not so wrong, in view of the temptations of instinctual gratifications to which they are peculiarly liable – since, as we know, temptations do but increase under constant privation, whereas they subside, at any rate temporarily, if they are sometimes gratified.” Sigmund Freud, Civilization and Its Discontents
A dread of authority and a fear of the super-ego. In the first case, one is compelled to forgo gratifying one’s instincts. In contrast, in the second, one is compelled to face punishment since it is hard to conceal the persistence of prohibited wants from one’s super-ego.
This long-established sense of right and wrong develops as a natural outgrowth of self-denial. Repressing dozens or hundreds of everyday human activities in the name of morality can lead to various mental and physical disorders.
One such person believes that “self-sacrifice” must be the cornerstone of all self-improvement. This view holds that putting the needs of others before one’s own necessitates giving up most of one’s own wants, needs, and affections.
This selfless giver, who preaches “that things should be done without expecting anything in return,” is always let down and frustrated when no one recognizes his efforts. Often results in a rise in mental health issues such as depressive and anxiety disorders.
Nietzsche said that the harshness one has with oneself serves as an immunization against domestication and is the true source of guilt or a changed conscience, rather than breaking protective standards or the good itself.
In Civilization and its Discontents, Freud reveals the same thing; the affirmation that the human is owing to the beginning of him (the birth of the gods) creates this sensation of guilty obligation again.
The clash between the desire for individuality and the expectations of society.
When one can understand and get past the dual thinking of values, one can identify and cultivate a healthy set of core values that builds guiding principles in life. Also, recognizing the creative potential of their suppressed primal side, the shadow, and universal motifs of characters’ archetypes. The individuation process becomes more apparent, a remedy for our times’ rising moral illness.
Core Values All People Should Learn
Honesty
One of the highest moral principles is being truthful. It entails never manipulating other people and always acting in their best interests. A key component of honesty is self-awareness and the humility to recognize when we’ve erred. Failure to take responsibility for one’s actions can have serious consequences, especially for one’s subordinates in the workplace.
Responsibility
One definition of responsibility is dependability. Being responsible for one’s actions and accepting blame for one’s errors is also part of this.
Being responsible means always following through on one’s commitments. We also avoid harming other individuals in our interactions with them.
Courage
The capacity to overcome fear and act anyhow is a hallmark of courage. Being courageous is fighting for what we believe in despite difficult circumstances. Bravery does not imply an absence of fear. It signifies that we can do the right thing even when we’re scared.
If an individual observed someone being bullied and did anything to stop it while being terrified of the bully, they would be an example of courage or bravery. This would also entail being the one to publicly denounce wrongdoing while others remain silent. The Chinese Tiananmen Square demonstrations, the Arab Spring, and the American Civil Rights Movement all began with acts of courage.
Self-Control
To exercise self-control is to be able to restrain one’s own impulses and feelings. The ability to control one’s instincts and make the right decisions are essential.
When someone has self-control, their emotions don’t have sway over them, and they can make decisions that are in their best interests. They can control their impulses and make decisions that benefit them and those around them. One may avoid doing everything from raging at someone for grabbing that last special edition copy of a PS5 to binge eating by learning self-control. We will learn to take “no” seriously and act accordingly when we know intuitively it’s the right response.
Perseverance
The capacity to keep going despite difficulties is what we mean when discussing perseverance. It involves keeping up with something until we succeed. Perseverance is the ability to keep going despite setbacks.
Humility
Wellness in life comes to those who are modest. One of its defining characteristics is an absence of arrogance and a refusal to place oneself above another. Humble people can take both compliments and constructive criticism in stride.
Humbleness may be seen when someone asks someone to perform something clearly beyond their abilities. A humble individual would gladly undertake the work and would feel honored to be given a chance to assist. A modest person would not flaunt their wealth or position as an expert in their field.
Compassion
Compassionate people genuinely care about the well-being of others and can identify with the difficulties they face. Being kind and sympathetic is a part of it. When an individual feels compassionate, they want to do anything to alleviate the pain of others around them.
Many people experience a wide range of disasters due to the world’s perpetual state of upheaval. It’s common for generous people to financially support non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity and The Red Cross with their time. Some people help those in need by giving their time at soup kitchens and homeless shelters. One way that some individuals demonstrate they care is by being there for a buddy while they are struggling.
Patience
There is a strong correlation between the ability to wait patiently without becoming furious and the likelihood of a positive outcome. It includes regulating our emotions and not flying off the handle at first sight of anger or disagreement. Those that are patient tend to think things out before taking any action.
A good moment to practice patience is when a person waits in a lengthy line at the supermarket, and the person in front of them takes an extremely long time. Someone patient is not easily angered or upset. They’d be patient and realize that the line moves at its own rate and that their time would come.
Kindness
Being nice is caring about other people and ensuring their happiness. It entails traits like mildness, compassion, and helpfulness.
Many forms of generosity exist. Doing something kind for someone out of the blue, like paying for the person behind us in line for coffee, is an example of random acts of kindness. Consider giving some time to a local healthcare facility or senior center. Or be a sympathetic ear and supportive companion to others.
An act of kindness need not be complicated to receive a positive response. A warm smile can lighten up someone’s day who’s having a rainy day.
Open-mindedness
Having an open mind means considering alternative explanations and drawing our own conclusions. It involves being receptive to other people’s perspectives, empathetic, and open to learning new things, even if they put us out of our comfort zone.
Being receptive to new ideas requires more than passive hearing. Instead of assuming what people mean, we seek to comprehend their perspective. The progress of individuals and societies depends on their willingness to learn new concepts, even if they run counter to their existing worldviews.
Someone might be interested in exploring new cultures and trying out foods they’ve never heard of. Although they hold certain political opinions, they are nevertheless prepared to consider the possibility that the same topic may be viewed differently.
The United States has been plagued with issues recently because of a lack of political open-mindedness and its growing polarization widening the fissures among American citizens.
Here are seven ways to cultivate value in our lives and increase our well-being
1 – Get the most out of every second by giving 100% attention
Showing up and being present in person is essential to achieving one’s goals. While remaining true to commitments also keeping our mind alert and prepared. A mind like this continuously learns new things, adapts to them in every aspect of life, and develops a sense of ownership.
2 – Learn to develop productive habits, and see greater returns
Individuals can shift their mindset to one of doing. A to-do list or an accountability buddy are two easy ways to do this. Asking oneself, “If I knew I was going to be successful at this, what would I do first?” is a common tactic used by successful people. Then they act in that way.
Being resourceful and pressing forth are keys to success. This will provide us access to new information and possibilities, allowing us to grow and develop in new ways.
3 – Open oneself up to passion
In other words, go with the flow if anything motivates us. The momentum we gain from our passions permeates every facet of our existence. Therefore, it becomes a catalyst for many other positive changes in our life.
Feel free to be driven by our own boundless excitement and energy. The world and we benefit greatly when our passions are realized, no matter how big or tiny.
4 – Acclimate oneself to uncertainty
It’s argued that tomorrow will be nothing more than a rehash of today if we eliminate all doubt from the future. Life’s unexpected twists and turns spur innovation and development.
The doubt that can come from uncertainty is our enemy when considering new plans and endeavors. Have faith in our ingenuity and capacity for growth and change. Keep in mind the “what” and “why” of our efforts, and trust that the “how” will fall into place on its own.
5 – Believe in oneself and be okay with judgment
There is value in criticism being able to discern the valid ones that teach us something new. It takes courage to be vulnerable, but that’s where our power lives.
If someone attempts something new, does something, or even speaks up, they are expressing themselves to the world. Taking risks might be challenging (particularly when met with criticism), but they’re necessary to build something worthwhile.
The ability to be vulnerable is a source of strength. Just put ourselves out there and see what happens; we can always learn and adapt.
6 – Accept change; success should be welcomed, not feared
Two of the most significant phobias most of us have are fear of change and, almost amazingly, fear of success. We can and will affect change in our environment once we begin producing value. This can be shockingly unpleasant, but staying on course is essential to avoid reverting to our old, unproductive habits.
In reality, we may discover that it is time to let go of certain old beliefs and end some relationships. This might be incredibly challenging, but to acquire something we’ve never had, we must do what we’ve never done.
Recognize that the fluttering in our stomach is a sign that we’re heading in the correct direction, and don’t let it deter us from moving on.
7 – Show greater compassion and kindness
The most significant way to start providing value is by pouring more of ourselves into each of our connections.
It starts with being kinder and more thoughtful around the people we care about. Pay closer attention to the individuals we encounter and work on being more forgiving when we disagree or feel distant from others.
There is a limit to how fast and hard we can work. Working with, for, and through other people is the only way to make the value we generate in our life grow exponentially. Once we get this, we can begin utilizing our connections to their full potential and shaping the course of our life.
The term “Butterfly Effect” describes how seemingly little events may have far-reaching consequences. The term comes from the theory that a single butterfly fluttering its wings on one side of the planet may influence weather patterns halfway around the globe.
Our deeds resemble the Butterfly Effect in many ways. Each time we make a decision, we alter the course of history. Doing good makes a difference in the world. Moreover, the world will take notice and reward us when we focus on generating more value.
Personal Branding
There is a saying, “it’s not what you know; it’s who you know,” of course, having skills and competence is essential. Yet, we’re social beings, and to be able to meet goals or achieve a lifestyle is much easier and more satisfying with the support of others.
To further demonstrate, it’s helpful to think of our image as a brand that reflects our beliefs and encourages a welcoming atmosphere that aligns with one’s core values.
In one personal branding, an author makes the best effort to make sure the work they create and share reflects these essential values of theirs:
- Curiosity
- Creativity
- Passion
- Wisdom
- Fun
The brand value doesn’t end with what they do. It must display their personality and consistency in their image because this helps people identify their specific characteristics and the integrity that defines them. Like-minded people will naturally gravitate to them because they believe in who they are and do if they approach what the author shares come from a genuine place of interest and enriches their life.
Tips to show one’s brand value
To show one’s brand value by using the analogy of an author, it is essential to remember the following tips:
- Be authentic and transparent: let their fans see who they are and what they stand for. Don’t try to be something they’re not.
- Be consistent: maintain the same message and tone across their channels (social media, website, in-person, etc.). This will help create a cohesive brand identity that fans can recognize and trust.
- Create helpful and informative content: rather than trying to sell products or services, provide original content that will be genuinely useful to their target audience. This could include blog posts, infographics, how-to guides, etc.
- Engage with their fans: take the time to respond to fans’ comments and questions. This will show them that the author cares about them and encourage their relationship.
- Be patient: marketing (awareness) takes time to foster interest and trust, so don’t expect results overnight. But if the author stays consistent with their efforts. In that case, the author’s business (personal brand) will begin to see the benefits of the marketing efforts that demonstrate authenticity.
For the everyday person who wants to build a reputation by sharing a passion with the hope of one day profiting from it, here are some methods to explore:
- Website and blogging: Regularly posting a blog on a subject an individual knows or has a burning desire to learn more about helps demonstrate their genuine interest in the topic. They can show their readers that they’re genuinely invested in the subject while connecting them to the information they’ve been searching for. If they do create products or services, this will make it easier for fans to purchase what they have to offer.
- YouTube videos: it goes without saying that besides Google searches, YouTube is the second largest search in the world, and we understand why – it’s easier to consume video than take time to read a blog post, and with some tweaking, we can convert a blog post to a video. The process of scripting, recording, editing, and publishing a video is time-consuming but worth it to drive brand awareness.
- Podcasting: There is a segment of folks with limited time who find the convenience of listening to a podcast or audiobook when commuting, running errands, or performing house chores. An individual could develop different styles for each method mentioned or tweak from one content source where the presentations for each format fit the medium.
- Social media: engaging and interactive on topics of interest where it’s not only about promoting what they’re offering but also giving feedback and voicing their thoughts on current issues and where they stand. Ultimately, fleshing out who they’re and what values shine through everything they do.
The Gist
“You cannot live a normal existence if you haven’t taken care of a problem that affects your life and affects the lives of others, values that you hold which in fact define your very existence.” —Wole Soyinka
We live in a hyper-connected society where information overload and the proliferation of echo chambers fuel political polarization and a rising sense of isolation. It can be easy to forget what it means to identify one’s value, create value for others, and get caught up in our ego.
Whether interacting with a colleague, friend, or stranger, giving value is always about improving the other person’s life, filling us with a sense of purpose. It is about finding ways to add positivity and make someone’s day a little brighter. So often get caught up in our own lives and problems that we forget the power of simply lending an ear or showing someone we care.
It takes time to build trust, and worse, it’s easier to break it. There are many methods to gain people’s confidence. Still, one of the most popular strategies for those looking to come across as someone resourceful and enrich the lives of others is to offer more value than we can consume. In common parlance, these folks could be credentialed in a field, an entrepreneur backed by hundreds to thousands of clients or customers, or even a mentor guiding a junior on how to live a virtuous life.
- The term “value” is often used with a restricted meaning to refer to something excellent, desirable, or worthy. A thing’s value is good it does for its owner or the significance it holds in another person’s eyes. It’s not always physical and may mean something different to various people.
- One’s value defines their connection to their ambitions. What one individual considers essential in a given scenario may not be the same for another. A person who places a high value on honesty could report financial malfeasance by a supervisor. In contrast, someone who puts a higher value on loyalty might keep quiet. There is a clash of ideals at play here. Those with integrity may think there is a limit to allegiance and that remaining silent about wrongdoing out of loyalty might endanger others. A loyal individual may think it’s crucial to retain confidence even if doing so causes harm to others, on account of the trusting nature of the connection.
- Aesthetic values cause people to form opinions about or respond to them in contrasting ways. These evaluations project our moral or ethical assessment of objects or derive from the natural world to influence our perception of reality, such as whether they are good, evil, or convenient.
- Moral values guide us in moral choices and inspire us to act ethically. Developing a firm grasp of good and wrong is essential, so discovering moral principles is equally crucial. They can aid in cultivating compassion and an awareness of the results of our actions.
- Ethical values are normative factors that serve as behavioral guidelines to constrain human action. These moral standards are based on what “should be” or what is generally agreed upon in society. Ethical judgments tend to be stable, yet they may shift if the subject’s ideas, views, or circumstance calls for it.
- People’s actions are regulated and guided by their society’s ethical and moral norms. Antithetical behaviors go against or reflect the opposite of these principles. Societies develop laws or stigmas to combat anti-values. Everything that characterizes excessiveness or corruption is addressed and taught through education.
- Value isn’t just about what we can get from someone or something – it’s about the feeling of worth we experience when we receive something valuable. When we provide value to others, we’re not just giving them something – we’re giving them a piece of ourselves.
- There are many reasons why giving to others is beneficial for both the giver and the receiver. We feel good about ourselves when we give and help improve the world. Helping others can also improve our health, make us feel more connected, and give us a sense of purpose. The more we think about something, the stronger that association becomes, known as the Reticular Activating System (RAS). The RAS seeks confirmation and support of your worldview (Confirmation Bias). This is why it’s dangerous to have a negative internal dialogue.
- Nietzsche argued that there is an antithesis of good and evil in the human being. He writes that there has been a “passive nihilism,” in which conventional values are no longer influential. The author rejects the idea that traditional moral standards must be replaced or transformed. A dread of authority and a fear of the super-ego. Repressing dozens or hundreds of everyday human activities in the name of morality. The selfless giver who preaches “that things should be done without expecting anything in return” is always let down and frustrated when no one recognizes his efforts.
