(Albert Einstein’s success was linked to how much value he tried to provide to humanity.)

Value Breeds Success

Clayton Jensen
Aug 23, 2017 · 3 min read

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” — Albert Einstein

We are focused too often on what’s in it for me. It is when we emphasize only what we get out of the deal that both parties involved are not afforded the potential opportunities that can be actualized. It’s not about what we acquire, instead, it should be what we are able to provide to those around us that really matters. Our success depends upon the value that we contribute, not the other way around.

We are deemed to be selfish organisms, but I believe that we pinhole ourselves into thinking this is who we are because it’s easier. It takes less effort to think only about what we want and need rather than about the needs of those around us. But we know that in order to succeed we need to put in the effort. With this being the case, the least beneficial thing that we can do for ourselves is to focus on just what’s in it for me.

There are a lot of things that we want out life but the feeling of acceptance for who you are and what you do will likely outweigh the rest. The best way to attain this is to accept others first for who they are. There is nothing more valuable than showing someone that you care about what happens to them. We need to lead the way we want to be led, the way that we want to be appreciated. Success is a derivative of the work that you put in for others.

The people that we interact with on a day-to-day basis should not be a means to an end or looked at as stepping stones to what we want to achieve. Niccolo Machiavelli was wrong when he argued that the ends justify the means; it is the means that determine the ends. People are the ends, and everything should be done with the mindset that what we do is to help them be successful. Our achievements and our ability to advance in this world are directly linked to the prosperity of others.

No one is an island because survival is a team sport. When we reach out a helping hand prior to asking for anything in return, we are actually reaching out a hand to ourselves. When we provide value to others we will inevitably receive much more value in return. Compassion has a multiplier effect on everyone because of the way it spreads, because of the way it manifests itself into every aspect of life.

The limit to how successful we will be is defined by the amount of times we help other people triumph over their daily battles for achievement. Fortune favors the bold because the most audacious thing we can fight for is the accomplishments of one another.

Be a better version of yourself by continually thinking about how you can contribute to the value proposition of someone else, and of another organization. We ask people to buy from us without showing them the value that they will receive in doing so. The purchase never precedes the appraisal. It is in our nature to take time to decipher the benefits received prior to buying a product, the same goes for buying a personal brand. Give people an undeniable reason for why they should want to work with you and that reason will always be the value that you provide to them first.

Success is fleeting but value can last a lifetime. You are what you continually do so never stop helping others. Never feel as though you have done enough, as though you have led righteously. Each day is a new opportunity to help someone else be profitable, and when we do so, our success will be sure to follow.

A genius is not defined by the product she creates, she is defined by how many lives she touched along the journey to greatness.

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I believe that entrepreneurship is the backbone of healthy communities. Instagram: @ClaytonJJensen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/claytonjensen

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