What Works: When is something 'worth it?'

I’ve been working long hours. I hired an assistant to help with some of the projects that I deemed “on the floor” so I could put my effort toward billable hours. It’s been quite the juggling act in 2020. I feel like I’m being given a life lesson in what’s important, what’s crucial, and what keeps me smiling. Oddly enough, they are not all one in the same. Yet, they all have something in common.

In past columns, I’ve written about prioritization. But there’s a deeper level to priority — that’s value. What value does this bring to myself and others? Is it, in fact, worth it to keep moving with a relationship, a project, a hobby, a job, or (list task on your to do list here)? Or should I examine my values a little closer?

To understand this, we need to understand value. Value is also known as benefit or ‘what’s in it for me?”

Do you find yourself procrastinating on something? Odds are, you haven’t attached sufficient value to that something getting done. Instead, you find other things that bring you value to do instead.

When something is “worth it,” we place a high value on it.

There are a number of reasons something can be worth it to you. However, everyone has a different value set. Here’s why the items on my to-do list are worth it to me. Maybe you resonate with some?

— It gives me money. I feel good when I have good cash flow.

— It gives me knowledge/experience. I feel good when I’m expanding myself.

— It is a healthy choice. Healthy choices are important to me and make me feel good.

— It’s relaxing. Relaxation makes me feel good.

— It creates a feeling of security and safety. I feel good when I’m secure and safe.

— It represents a greater contribution to the community. Contributing makes me feel good.

— I feel important when I do this. Feeling important makes me feel good.

— I’m “in my zone” when I do this and time flies by. I feel accomplished, which makes me feel good.

— This is enjoyable/fun. Having fun makes me feel good.

— I feel appreciated when I do this. Appreciation makes me feel good.

I’ll stop there. Do you see the pattern? Value/benefit is about creating good feelings. If something is worth it to you, something about it makes you feel good. So, you keep doing it.

But, wait Diane. I don’t like my job, my co-workers, and I want to leave. Ok. Why do you stay without leaving right now? It’s because security feels good. Don’t leave one job before you have another right? Money feels good. Making the rent/mortgage is a pretty big motivator. Maybe, in some way, being in a routine feels good. Everyone values something different. What’s important to one isn’t important to another. The key is tapping into why you value it so you can come to a decision.

Many will not change until the circumstance becomes so uncomfortable that the dissatisfaction with the way things are overrules any resistance to change.

So, when do you know it’s worth it? You know it’s worth it when you value it. Sometimes, people keep doing things that put them in great pain (addiction) because they value something about the addictive experience. Even though the life consequences are terrible, they continue to do it because they still see enough value/benefit to staying with the behavior.

You can apply this to anything.

So, what are you on the fence about? Could you apply this thought process to be gentle with yourself (understand why it’s worth it to you)? When we understand why we value things, we can become conscious enough to shift our values. Doing this you can create lasting habit changes, defeat procrastination, and even align your team to achieve a common goal.

What’s worth it to you? The floor is yours, Carson City.

ABOUT DIANE DYE HANSEN
Diane Dye Hansen has more than 20 years of experience in communication and change management gained in the sectors of government, non-profit, healthcare, publishing, advertising, entertainment, and technology. Her Critical Opportunity Theory helps organizations and leaders turn challenge into opportunity through proper leadership and team communication.

She is the president and founder of What Works Consultants, Inc., a consulting firm which helps business leaders communicate when communication is hard. This is done through research, strategic communication planning, change management consulting, human resources recruitment and training. She is a columnist on CarsonNow.org. To meet her and learn how she and her team can help your company, visit What Works Consultants, Inc. online at www.whatworksconsultants.com.