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. 

Someone Who is Worth it

Date: Saturday, September 7th, 2013, Day 5

Today's Affirmation: "I am a very lucky person."

Area to improve: Relationships

Specific Change: Turn off my cell phone to focus on the person in front of me


I cannot remember the last time I spoke to someone without, at one point, looking at my cell phone. With a Herculean dedication I constantly refresh my inbox folder awaiting my latest email from Apple or Best Buy. I think when smart phones first came out I remembered being offended when someone I was talking to would not pay attention to me and the very important things I was saying (as if everything I say is important). Now it is so natural that I don’t think I notice it anymore. If anything it is a reminder for me to check my phone and then show the other person what I am looking at on my phone. And then we laugh. And talk again and then check our phones. Many times we just have our phones out on the table.

How did this happen so quickly?

Why do I think that the phone in my pocket is more interesting or beautiful than the eyes of the person I am talking with?

Every eye is unique and every eye is beautiful and deep. And I wanted to remember that. Sadly, I forgot what it was like to give someone all of my attention. I forget that the other person in front of me has an infinite depth to them. I forget everyday that everyone around is made in the image of the Divine and is therefore a glimpse into infinity. My mom, a glimpse into infinity, my co-worker, a glimpse into infinity, the baby sleeping in their mother’s arms next to me on the train, a glimpse into infinity. I can learn so much from the person next to me than I can from the little box in my pocket.

For example my girlfriend is always teaching me. She shows me constantly that, how as a male, I am always wrong! What a blessing to have someone who loves me so much (Seriously though)!

So today I spent the day focusing on the wonderful person in my life; the beautiful, loving, intelligent and infinitely deep person that she is.

With the affirmation I used today I probably should have gone to Vegas, but instead I went a wedding instead I found out how lucky I already am.

Papa needs a new pair shoes!!!