I quote something a very inspirational person once said, "Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value" - Albert Einstein.
Let's ponder on that one for a second. [Take a sip of your delicious cup of coffee]
What does it actually mean? Isn't a successful man a man of value anyways? Good question really, because we could merge the two like they are somewhat interchangeable. Not really.
For the most part we hear the word "success" used in many different contexts of conversation and the different things people have done in order to get to what they wanted or needed in life so far. Whatever the case may be, success for you and success for me could mean different outcomes to our different inputs.
Of course there are many successful men that are of value to those around them and their local community. Let me rather emphasize on a word less frequently heard; "VALUE" what does it exactly mean be a man of value rather? This is an entire shift of thinking and perspective. I will do my best to illustrate by using a personal example from hard experience.
Having learned a great deal throughout my seeking 20's, one of the many things I can totally vouch for is what Einstein said there. Personally I was chasing too many things out there which I thought was going to bring me success, and some part of happiness dopamine, this was exactly my journey through a dark rabbit hole.
It was a trap that sabotaged many relationships I hardly had at a time and so struggled to keep. Failure seemed to be on my horizon instead of white sandy beaches with cocktails. So I had to make a plan and re-strategize a different kind of forward moving plan and calculate what the risks might be. Simply put, I couldn't accept a hard working destination to failure. So I decided to take a closer look at the operator of this complex thinking energy in motion machine. Myself.
That was exactly the space I needed to be in. I allowed myself to be truly who I am in different environments, scenarios, social circles, whether they were comfortable or not. I took courage and kept exploring to what there was, and the more I was in this particular space, I explored all the more who I truly am and that's exactly when it struck me right there at that moment, the light bulb went on. It took some time, but it all makes clear sense now.
I dug deeper to my very inner core as a man to find out what was going on and went on the self introspection discovery journey which led me to the foundation blocks, that weren't as tightly constructed as I "thought". The house was going to collapse in a matter of short time. Therefore I had to get my hands dirty, rebuild and construct new foundations which needed fixing and mixed in a newer stronger concrete to keep the house standing. Prevention is better than cure when you are aware of symptoms early in time. I took time off, spent it by myself, clearing my mind off from too much learning and information [I thought it was the solution, more information]. I needed to find out who I am exactly and what my capabilities are so I can work to go forward in life.
I became obsessed with self help and listening to podcasts and many programs on the subject, once again failing to realize that there was actually nothing wrong with me, I didn't need much to operate on a healthy level frequency to be a person of value. It was there all along, right there, right in front of me, reflecting back from the mirror.
When you truly know and understand who you are from your fundamentals and your core values, it can have such a positive effect on the people around you, the environment and yourself, once you utilize that to the greater good.
You'll become more and more surprised with who you are and the capabilities you have without the "need" to know so much information, and clutter your already busy mind, trying to figure things out with more information on who you should be, should or should not do in given contexts etc. You need to start with a clearer mind.
I wasn't aware that it was already within me, all this time. Epiphanies started going off like illegal new years firecrackers in Amsterdam, one after the other. In a short amount of time I have become so aware of the positive impact value can have on the people around me, more importantly, what impact it has made on me as an individual and from within, the positive impact it started to have on the world around me. Today I love to inspire others and support them move forward in life, whatever it may be. Look for win/win relationships when it comes to people. Everyone should benefit.
Give people good emotions and they will respect you and would want to have you around. Always be real. You might not agree with everyone and their beliefs or opinions, but I am sure you can create healthy respectful boundaries with people and their differences. Stand your ground. Time is precious.
Value may mean different things to different people, I hope you have picked up on some of them in this article. There will be more articles of value coming from me, keeping you inspired and giving you some insight on your respective journeys. A man of value takes charge, takes the lead, has clarity and operates from a space of wisdom. Listen carefully to the things people say, there will be value in that too.
Set your sails out to explore more of who you are and become more a man of value truly inspiring others and impacting a society that needs you to make a positive difference. There are many different approaches to this particular "self" journey.
Contact me if you have any queries or questions.
Much love and give your best.
Martin Vee