So much of our lives up until Chapter X is defined by return on investment. We invest our time, energy, ideas, and efforts to reap the profits… such as a higher salary, higher net income, or greater value in the business we create.
It’s based on the belief that we get something out of what we put in at a measure greater than 1:1. Our time boils down to a dollar figure.
As you turn the page and shift into your next chapter, the equation is vastly different. Your time, experience, efforts are, for the most part, not squared with financial reward. It’s a monumental shift in thinking and, for many, quite disturbing.
Chapter X requires and demands that we reimagine the equation. What are you offering — and for what return on your investment of time? When it’s no longer about building financial security, it must be for some other purpose.
How do you measure the value of, say, working at a soup kitchen? Reading to someone without sight? Visiting someone who is ill? Helping to build or refurbish a shelter for those in need? Collecting food for those without food security?
How do you decide the impact of donating funds that benefit those without resources such as clean water, textbooks, medicine, or research dollars?
How do you calculate the ROI on helping a family member who is struggling?
How do you determine the payback for supporting causes that help to create peace, prosperity, and justice for all people?
The bottom line is now is the time to begin to question what beliefs we carry… and how we can use our power, influence, resources to produce a different ROI.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
