The Universal Value We Can All Share
The question, “How can I add value to people?” has lingered in my mind for as long as I can remember. It’s a question that, at its core, feels deeply human—an instinct to contribute, to connect, and to uplift. Yet, every time I’ve asked myself this, my reflexive response has been another question: What value do I have that others don’t?
For years, I treated this as a puzzle to solve. I scoured my skills, experiences, and perspectives, hoping to find a unique edge—a gift that only I could bring. But recently, a revelation struck me: perhaps the question isn’t about uniqueness. Maybe the value we bring isn’t something exclusive or rare. Maybe it’s something so simple and universal that we often overlook it entirely.
The answer, I believe, is this: being good to others.
Why Simple Is Profound
When we think of adding value, our minds often leap to grand gestures or monumental achievements. We want to invent, innovate, or inspire on a scale that feels tangible and significant. But here’s the truth: helping someone, being kind, or simply showing up for another person is the most profound value we can offer.
It doesn’t require extraordinary talent or privilege. It doesn’t need years of training or expertise. What it does require is an open heart and an intention to make someone’s day—even their life—a little better.
Kindness Is a Universal Currency
Kindness transcends culture, language, and circumstance. A smile to a stranger, a word of encouragement to a friend, or a helping hand to someone in need—these small acts ripple out in ways we can’t even begin to measure.
Every human being has this value inherently within them. It’s not something we need to develop or acquire; it’s something we simply need to give. When we embrace this truth, we stop searching for ways to be “special” and start focusing on ways to be present.
The Courage to Be Good
It’s worth acknowledging that being good isn’t always easy. It takes courage to step out of our own worlds and prioritize someone else. It takes effort to listen, empathize, and act without expecting anything in return. But the rewards—both for the giver and the receiver—are immeasurable.
When you choose to be good to others, you become a source of light in a sometimes chaotic world. You remind people of their own capacity for goodness. And in doing so, you create a ripple effect that spreads farther than you’ll ever know.
Living the Answer
The beauty of this revelation is its accessibility. Every day, we’re presented with countless opportunities to add value through kindness and goodness. It can be as simple as:
Taking the time to check in on someone who’s struggling.
Offering help without being asked.
Celebrating someone’s achievements without envy or comparison.
Choosing patience and compassion over frustration or judgment.
These acts may seem small in isolation, but collectively, they weave the fabric of a meaningful life. They remind us that we don’t need to be extraordinary to make an extraordinary difference.
Conclusion: The Value of Being Human
So, if you’ve ever wondered how to add value to people, know that you already hold the answer. You don’t need to discover a hidden talent or solve the world’s biggest problems. Simply be good to people.
This isn’t just the value you can bring—it’s the value that defines what it means to be human. And in a world that often feels divided and disconnected, choosing to embody this value might just be the most impactful thing any of us can do.
Now, over to you: Who can you be good to today?