How much are you worth?

Since I studied philosophy and theology I know that I have a different view than some economist or business leaders. But I don't really know how different my view is sometimes. I learned something today that I never hear before. Maybe it is because I never had an economics class but this is what I heard. Jim Rohn was speaking about getting paid for work. He said that we are paid according to how much value we bring to the marketplace not for how much time we put in. If we got paid for our time then we could sit at home and they would just send us a check. But we get paid for the value we bring.  I think of people who do a horrible job at a company and get upset when they do not get a raise.  It also follows that if a person works hard and helps to improve everything he comes in contact with then that person should be compensated for bringing more value. So if I want to make more money then I have to make myself more valuable.

Make yourself more valuable.

I think why this is so new to me is because this is a different meaning of value than what we have in the eyes of God. So when someone tells me I how much value do I have, I automatically  think in theological terms. My value is at its maximum because I am made in the image and likeness of God and I am loved infinitely, completely and perfectly. But not everyone thinks/believes this way and apparently the market does not. So that give me two choices I can sit and complain about how the market should be or I can work with it and challenge myself to grow. So that leads me to another question: How do I become more valuable?

Increase your value?  Two words: Personal Development

Jim has some really great quotes. They are so simple and profound. One I heard recently was, work hard at your job but not as hard as you work on yourself. He talks about improving your skills, abilities and learning new things. Taking a classes online, getting certifications, reading great books, meeting people who can help you grow. He says, Change yourself first and then everything else will change as well... wow! Groupon has some really great classes on line as well as these two resources:

https://www.coursera.org/

http://www.thegreatcourses.com/greatcourses.aspx

His stuff is really simple and I want to put it into practice even if it is just a couple of things he has said. I am realizing I cannot change the circumstances but I can change myself. 

Day 6 of no video games is complete! Almost gave in but then I decided to read a book instead. 

Take Action on Neglect

I would say, if I was honest enough, that I have some areas that I have neglected in my life. I think what may have caused my lapse in writing was one thing: Not reflecting. I can give you an example. On September 28, 2013 I learned an important lesson while rock climbing.

http://www.brooklynboulders.com/

That's me!

I climbed the orange path, #16.

I found myself trying to climb the path as quickly as possible. At certain points I would get stuck because I did not know where to go next. And then it hit me, there is no race... Why was I trying to climb so quickly? Why did I believe that that there was a time limit? It was a Kōan (公案), zen-like experience, similar to when Neo realized that the Matrix is not real, he then realized he was limitless.

There is no race.

The other important lesson I learned is to think about the path before you take it. I like to work backwards. I see a goal and think, okay what are the necessary steps in order to achieve this. I was like that as a kid. When I would do mazes I would always work from the middle or the goal and then go to the start. It made that puzzle much easier. So I realized that when I do not sit and reflect I do not make the best choices. Then things can pile up and getting back on the horse can be intimidating. Sometimes the task could seem impossible and as my piano teacher would say, "This piece of music is impossible for you right now but how will you approach it anyway? From the beginning."  And as Jim Rohn taught me today, you begin by taking action on what you are neglecting first.

You begin by taking action on what you are neglecting first.

Day 5 and still no video games.

You Are The Average...

Day 2 

This is a quote from Jim Rohn

I was listening to a podcast this morning and when I heard this I dropped my jaw. Things started to click in place. I can be confrontational and many of the people who I spend my time with do not challenge me to change. 

Our Patterns Make Us Comfortable

We all fall into patterns where we become comfortable. A place where we can become lethargic and stagnant not a place where I can go to become strengthen. The word comfort comes from the root words which mean "to STRENGTHEN WITH." Another way to understand it is "to fortify something with another." Now it has become to mean something like this:

Yes I am an Anti-Snuggite! There I said it!

I have been trying to fill in my ex-videogame time with things that will make me better. I figure if I keep trying and keep taking the chance something will have to stick. Jim Rohn talks about the Law of Averages by using the Parable of the Sower. He says that finally at the end of the story the excellent seed will fall on good soil (and it ALWAYS will if you keep sowing.) This is the talk where he explains the parable of the sower and I hope it will inspire anyone!

Day 2 of no games has been successful BTW!