One of the most prominent characters in the movie, Sound of Music, produced in the 60s, was Maria. Maria took a job as the governess to the 7 children of Captain Von Trapp. Maria was a nun and lover of music. She was compassionate, loving, full of life, and didn’t think twice to speak her mind. She was the kind of governess every child and family would love to have. With these special attributes, she created an iconic value where her character captivated the heart of Captain Von Trapp and his children, against all odds. Even when events took a twist and the captain was tempted to let Maria go, he couldn’t deny the fact that Maria’s replacement may be possible, but her value may never be found elsewhere.
While the story is a fictional movie, Maria’s character is relatable. We may know people like her or even fall into the category ourselves, in our homes, places of work, worship and so on.
Apparently, the person who can create value within his circle is the one we recognize, acknowledge, admire, and applaud. The one who has created value is the one we entrust positions of authority, leadership, responsibility, and accountability. On the contrary, the one who chases value is the one who lacks these attributes and, instead, exerts time, resources, and energy to prove it.
Value in the sense of this essay is a person’s worth and moral codes which serve as the person’s guiding principles in life. It is different from enterprise or cooperate values which a company generates for its stakeholders.
The difference between the value a person creates and the one he chases is in his personality. A person with the capacity to initiate, coordinate, transform, and revolutionise reasonable outcomes is the one who creates value. The one whose services and persona are unique and extraordinary. The one whose replacement is difficult. The one whose words are binding. The incorruptible one. The one whose words are imperative. The one whose integrity is unshakeable. The one whose standards are high. The one who fosters love, peace and unity. The one who promotes happiness and joy. The one who integrates sustainability.
The one who chases value is the one who is mediocre. One who is untrustworthy. One who is flippant and unreliable. One who lacks trust, worth and respect. One who authors liabilities. The one whose services are not sustainable. The one who lacks ideas, purpose and objectives.
A great personality is built on value and creating value is the basis of every life venture. Value-driven people may not achieve short-term results but definitely would achieve long-term and sustainable results. Successful people usually say that they don’t chase money because they understand the peculiarities of value and its importance in business. To them, money is only a by-product of their efforts, buried in their value. They prioritise their value, stay focused on it and remain true to it. Instead of chasing money, they chase a sense of perspective, worth and balance. They define success more from the perspective of value and impact. That’s the mindset through which they excel!
No doubt, the hallmark trait of many business and career people is working towards business breakthroughs, the next promotions, the next projects or the next results. It’s always a circle of insatiable quest for success and an impressive career/ business. The question remains, how happy are you eventually? Do these accomplishments make you fulfilled?
Without a sense of purpose, staying connected to people’s lives, feeling connected to a sense of meaning, and being grounded in the essence of humanity, those accomplishments don’t feel good, especially in the long run. That explains why some successful people are depressed, frustrated and suicidal. They lack value for life because they lack value as a person.
I have always believed and I still believe, that a person whose footsteps made a long-lasting impression is more valuable than monetary income which has proven to be the greatest deceiver of a man’s true worth. Seek value, create a lasting impression and live a fulfilling life!
✍️Amara Ann Unachukwu
