Personal net worth is a common measuring stick for success—or at least how the world typically defines it. And people associate themselves (and their esteem) in parallel with these numbers.
In fact, when people are considering a job position, they often weigh it in terms of what they think they're worth. "I can't believe those jerks only offered me $50,000 per year. I'm worth twice that!"
Sad, but true.
And completely false. Not to mention completely irrelevant.
Worth has nothing to do with it.
Every single person—at the core level—has infinite personal worth. We're not worth millions or even billions. Our worth as individuals is infinite, priceless.
Value, on the other hand, is a different story altogether. Value—the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance or usefulness of something—is what we create and share with the world.
When we create and share something that is important or useful to someone, that thing has value. If it solves a problem or resolves an issue a business or individual is facing, it most likely can be exchanged for money.
Renowned British author, speaker, and investor, Richard Koch said:
"Every company is a set of answers to a set of questions, or often, at a more fundamental level, a single answer to a single question."
Substitute 'person' for 'company' and it is easy to analyze how we can increase our value in the marketplace. Simply ask yourself what question(s) your particular skill set is answering. What problems can you fix for others?
Can I increase my ability to answer greater questions (i.e. find solutions to bigger problems) and thereby reap greater rewards?
Remember, your worth is infinite but your value can be measured.
