We live in competitive times, from competing with the younger generations who seem to move faster than us, to competing with technology and Artificial intelligence. There’s so much going on around that one can feel overwhelmed wondering where to start. Miles Munroe, used to speak about increasing your personal value. He said that in life, you need to make yourself a person of value.
Becoming a person of value is essential for both professional success and personal fulfillment. Whether you're looking to advance your career, enhance your skills, or grow as an individual, focusing on self-improvement can make a significant difference.
Here are three effective ways to boost your personal value.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development
A majority of us think of this as an academic affair. Yes, it can include academic studies but most importantly, learning from others. It is said that experience is the best teacher, however, we don’t have the luxury of experiencing everything we’d like to experience within our short stints in this life. How do you then gain this experience? From listening to others, reading books, researching, the list is endless.
How to get started with learning?
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Self-awareness is the first step. Understand your core competencies and areas where you can improve. There's this free personality test you can do from an online platform that I really like, that would offer some basic understanding of who you are, even as you check in with your career dreams and goals. You could try it out here
- Invest in education: Whether it's formal courses, online certifications, or workshops, continuous learning keeps your skills sharp and expands your knowledge base.
- Develop new skills: Step outside your comfort zone and acquire new abilities. This could involve learning a new programming language, mastering a foreign language, or developing leadership skills. Jim Rohn says you should read all manner of books, both good and bad books as they all expose you to different experiences that you would otherwise not gain.
Build Strong Relationships and Networks
I know this can be a struggle for many in this era of technology, where we prefer to chat via WhatsApp and other modes of social media communication instead of face-to-face. However, the importance of these interactions can never be replaced. Genuine connections are made face-to-face.
Some ways you can build these connections?
- Cultivate meaningful connections: Nurture relationships with people who inspire and support you. Building strong bonds with colleagues, mentors, and friends can open doors to new opportunities.
- Expand your network: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people in your field. A wide network can provide valuable insights, referrals, and collaborations.
- Practice active listening: Effective communication is key to building strong relationships. Show genuine interest in others, and be a good listener.
Develop a Strong Personal Brand
What’s your personal brand? Who are you apart from your official work title? You already are a brand, however, the question is, what brand do you currently represent? What do people say about you in your absence? That is your current brand. Are you happy with that brand or is it something you can and should improve on? For many of us, this is something we'd like to improve in.
How do you develop your personal brand? This might sometimes require you to work with others like a coach or become more purposeful about the silent message you send out. Some basic guidelines you could start with include,
- Define your unique value proposition: What sets you apart from others? Identify your core strengths, values, and passions.
- What's your story: Develop a narrative highlighting your achievements, experiences, and aspirations. Get clarity on how you would like to be perceived and impersonate that person.
- Leverage online platforms: Build a positive online presence that speaks for you, and correctly depicts your brand. This can include sharing your expertise and engaging with others.
By consistently investing in your personal growth, building strong relationships, and developing a powerful personal brand, you can significantly increase your value and open up new opportunities for success. Remember, personal value is a journey, not a destination. Start today, and watch as your personal value grows, opening up new doors of opportunity and success.
