Summary: Many people wander aimlessly in life, trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t, but bringing value is always the best answer. I recently wrote a post on the importance of becoming invaluable in your workplace, but the idea of value can be applied to any and every area of life. When you bring value, you attract others to you, influencing them along the way.<br> So, here are three questions to ask yourself when trying to figure out how you can add more value with your life:<br> <br> How can I bring value to people?<br> Since people are the most important thing in this world, this question comes first. In most cases, the easiest way to do this is to listen, and then speak when needed. People need help, and you being there for them shows that you care. Creating lasting relationships with people builds valuable connections and allows you to live life together, rather than in isolation. You can bring value when you contribute to relationships more than you take from them.<br> How can I produce value with my work?<br> The best work in this world offers solutions for people’s needs. When this happens, people will pay for your answers, whether it’s in the form of spoken word, written word, or in the form of a product. When people have problems and you answer with a solution, that’s providing value. That’s why it is important to give your very best work. There’s not only satisfaction for yourself found in a job well done, but your best work actually helps people. When you understand this, and realize that you can create better outcomes for people, the reason behind your work becomes more apparent. When this happens, the extra effort becomes worth your time.<br> How can I value my own time and the time of others?<br> Since time is one of our most valuable resources, we must learn to use it wisely. We steward our own time well by cherishing every minute of it, while allocating time for rest. Keep this in mind as you create your schedule, and see the difference it makes with your willingness to take more vacations, or even just stepping away. You are more effective when you recharge.<br> We value the time of others through our level of productivity. The way in which we conduct work meetings is a great way that we can show others that their time is important, too. People are more effective when you use meetings for their intended purposes, so it is important to limit small talk and end on time.<br> Adding value not only changes the way you see the world, but it it impacts people, it offers your very best work, and it ensures that you use your valuable time wisely. When you focus on these three questions, you don’t have to worry about living a great life, because bringing value to the world is what leading in life is all about.<br> Now, go and bring value, today.<br>
