Value Creation Unleashed: How I Inspire Myself Daily

“Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.” — Albert Einstein

Value creation is a transformative journey that empowers you to infuse your daily activities with purpose, innovation, and meaningful impact.

I’ve had the privilege of coaching high-performance individuals, teams, and leaders at Microsoft for over two decades. This journey has been a masterclass in unlocking potential, harnessing innovation, and igniting the fire of continuous growth.

At the heart of my approach is the Agile Results productivity system—a value-driven framework that has revolutionized the way I approach life’s challenges and aspirations.

With Agile Results, value isn’t just an outcome. Value becomes the driving force behind every action, decision, and endeavor. Value becomes a transformative journey of focus, flow, and fulfillment.

With a few strategies, insights, and perspectives you will have the power to unleash your untapped potential.

Are you ready to unleash the potential within and shape a life of remarkable value?

Let’s begin.

The Value-Driven Journey Ahead

In this adventure of self-discovery, value creation becomes an art form and seizing opportunities becomes second nature.

You’ll learn the power of an abundance mindset and how it can turn your world into a playground of opportunities.

You’ll also learn a powerful truth: that real value springs from changing behavior.

I’ll also help you learn how to choose between looking ahead and drawing wisdom from your past.

Plus, I’ll equip you with a finely tuned radar to tell the difference between tasks that drive value and those that simply keep the wheels turning.

The Value Creation Mindset

The value creation mindset can transform your life into an endless well of creation and innovation.

In my journey of coaching and practicing, I’ve discovered that value creation isn’t just a skill you pick up; it’s a whole mindset, a way you approach life.

It’s not just about knowing how to do things, but about seeing the world with the eyes of an opportunist.

It’s like having a sixth sense for spotting hidden chances and nurturing tiny sparks of innovation, all while continually shaping yourself into a better, more capable version.

If you can master the dance between your aspirations and your actions, you can waltz elegantly between your growth and adaptation.

A value creation mindset is a perspective that consistently seeks out opportunities to generate meaningful and positive impact. It involves viewing challenges as chances for innovation and growth, and it emphasizes proactive problem-solving and creativity.

With a value creation mindset, you focus on generating tangible value by leveraging their skills, insights, and resources to make a meaningful difference.

Productivity Paradoxes: Balancing Old, Big, and Slow with New, Small, and Fast

Here are a few reminders I use for better productivity:

Don’t let the old, get in the way of the new.
Don’t let the new, get in the way of the old.
Don’t let the big, get in the way of the small.
Don’t let the small, get in the way of the big.
Don’t let the slow get in the way of the fast.
Don’t let the fast get in the way of the slow.

They might seem simple, but I bet if you review your activities, you can find opportunities to break things down better, or to make sure things accrue to something more significant.

I bet you can find ways to do some things faster, so you can experiment and learn easier.

At the same time, I bet you can find some things to slow down so you can speed up, or create better outputs and outcomes, or even just enjoy your journey more.

After all, sometimes all we have is our journey to look back on.

The Power of Choice: Above the Line vs. Below the Line

Imagine your productivity and value creation as a journey with two distinct paths: “Above the Line” and “Below the Line.”

These paths represent how you approach tasks and challenges in terms of the value they bring.

Above the Line: This is where the magic happens. When you’re operating “above the line,” you’re focusing on activities that make a real difference. It’s like you’re creating a masterpiece in the world of productivity. You’re not just checking off boxes or doing what’s expected – you’re differentiating yourself by adding unique value. Imagine it as the realm of innovative thinking, problem-solving, and going beyond the ordinary. This is where new opportunities are found and where you truly shine in your productivity efforts.
Below the Line: Think of “below the line” as the land of the expected. It’s like the daily chores and tasks that need to be done, but they might not stand out as value creators. While important, these tasks are more about maintaining the status quo and keeping things running. They might not directly contribute to new value creation or innovation. They’re like the backdrop of your productivity stage – necessary, but not the spotlight.

So, in terms of productivity and value creation, “Above the Line” is your stage for differentiation and innovation. It’s where you take tasks and elevate them to new heights, creating something unique and valuable. On the other hand, “Below the Line” is the foundation that supports your productivity efforts, but it’s not where you’ll necessarily make the biggest impact in terms of generating new value.

Remember, the key is to find a balance between these two realms. While you can’t escape the “below the line” tasks, you can infuse them with intention and efficiency, leaving more room for your “above the line” endeavors.

This way, you’re not just meeting expectations – you’re exceeding them by creating value that stands out in a world of productivity.

Value Up vs. Backlog Burndown: Crafting a Path to Success

Focusing on “Value Up” versus “Backlog Burn Down” represents two different approaches in project management and productivity.

Value Up: This approach prioritizes delivering high-value items first. Instead of just working through a list of tasks or items in a linear fashion, you focus on completing tasks that bring the most value to the project or goal. The idea is to ensure that the efforts put into the project are aligned with the most important objectives, and you consistently work on tasks that provide tangible benefits early on.
Backlog Burn Down: This approach is about reducing the number of tasks in your backlog over time. The goal is to work through tasks systematically, aiming to empty the backlog by completing tasks one after another. The focus here is on reducing the volume of work pending in your to-do list, with the belief that this leads to increased clarity and a sense of accomplishment.

Both approaches have their merits, and the choice between them often depends on the context, nature of the project, and individual preferences. “Value Up” emphasizes efficiency by tackling high-priority items first, while “Backlog Burn Down” aims to create a sense of order by reducing the number of pending tasks.

In essence, “Value Up” is about making sure your efforts align with what truly matters, while “Backlog Burn Down” focuses on keeping your workload manageable and maintaining a clear overview of what’s left to accomplish.

The best approach for you will depend on your specific goals, the complexity of your tasks, and the overall project dynamics.

Redefining Value: Value is in the Eye of the Beholder and Stakeholder

Imagine that you’re in a gallery, surrounded by various works of art. Each piece holds a different meaning and significance to different people. In the world of productivity and value creation, it’s similar – the value of what you produce is subjective and depends on the perspectives of those who benefit from it.

Value is in the eye of the beholder: Just like art is interpreted differently by different viewers, the value you create through your efforts is perceived uniquely by those who receive it. What you consider valuable might not resonate as strongly with someone else. This principle reminds us that understanding your audience’s needs, desires, and priorities is essential. When you tailor your productivity efforts to provide value that aligns with their perspectives, you’re more likely to create meaningful impact.

Value is in the eye of the stakeholder: In a broader sense, stakeholders are the individuals, groups, or entities that have a vested interest in what you’re producing. Whether it’s customers, colleagues, partners, or the community at large, their perception of value matters. If your efforts contribute to their goals, solve their problems, or fulfill their desires, you’re on the path to delivering real value. Recognizing and addressing the needs of stakeholders is a key aspect of effective value creation.

So, when it comes to productivity and value creation, remember that what you create holds value not just based on your perspective, but also on the perspectives of those who benefit from it. By understanding their needs, preferences, and expectations, you can shape your efforts to deliver impactful results. This concept encourages you to step into the shoes of your audience and stakeholders, ensuring that your productivity efforts lead to outcomes that are truly valuable in their eyes.

The Value is in the Change

“The Value is in the Change” ultimately comes down to “behavior change”.

If there’s no behavior change, then there’s no new value created.

Imagine you’re reading a book that transforms the way you think or discovering a new method that revolutionizes the way you work. In these moments, the real value lies not just in the words on the pages or the steps of the process, but in the profound change they bring about in your life.

This idea forms the core of the concept that “the value is in the change.”

In the realm of productivity and personal development, it’s not enough to accumulate knowledge or perform tasks mechanically. The true worth of your efforts emerges when they lead to tangible shifts in behavior, mindset, or outcomes.

Let’s break down this concept:

Change as the Catalyst for Value: Imagine you adopt a new approach to time management. The value doesn’t solely come from learning the approach itself; rather, it’s in the positive change it brings to your efficiency and effectiveness. Similarly, the value of a habit or a technique is measured by the positive change it instigates in your daily life or work.

Actions Over Information: The accumulation of information or even the completion of tasks doesn’t necessarily guarantee value. It’s the actions you take and the changes those actions induce that truly matter. This emphasizes the importance of implementation – applying what you’ve learned to create meaningful change in your life or work.

From Theory to Practice: The transition from theory to practice is where value blossoms. When you take what you’ve learned and apply it to your unique context, that’s when you experience the transformative power of change. This principle encourages you to not just passively consume knowledge, but to actively embrace change as the driving force behind value.

Quantifiable and Qualitative Change: Change can be both quantitative and qualitative. It might mean completing tasks more efficiently, increasing your productivity, or improving your well-being. But it can also encompass shifts in mindset, increased self-awareness, or enhanced problem-solving abilities – all of which contribute to a richer and more valuable life.

Value is in the Change reminds us that the value of our efforts and endeavors isn’t confined to the surface level of information or actions. It extends into the realms of personal growth, transformation, and positive change.

By embracing this perspective, you can aim to create value that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impact, not just in the tasks completed, but in the profound shifts they inspire.

The Game of Change is Ultimately Behavior Change

The game of change is always about “behavior change”.

Imagine life as a game with goals, challenges, and rewards. In this game, the ultimate objective is to improve and transform yourself.

Now, at the core of this game lies a crucial aspect: behavior change. The idea is that the most valuable moves you can make in this “game of change” are the ones that bring about shifts in your actions, habits, and behaviors.

Here’s how this concept unfolds:

The Game of Self-Improvement: Just like in any game, the goal is to progress and improve. But in the “game of change,” the playing field is your own life and the rules involve modifying your behaviors for the better. Instead of competing against others, you’re competing against your previous self, striving to become the best version you can be.

Behavior as the Gameplay: In a traditional game, you make strategic moves to achieve victory. In the “game of change,” those strategic moves are actually changes in your behavior. Whether it’s adopting a healthier lifestyle, honing your skills, or enhancing your relationships, the pivotal actions you take are what shape the course of this game.

Behavior Change as the Level-Up: In games, progressing to higher levels signifies advancement. Similarly, in the “game of change,” each behavior change you make propels you to a new level of self-improvement. These changes can be small, like incorporating daily exercise, or significant, like breaking free from negative patterns. Each change unlocks a new level of your potential.

Rewards and Progress: Just like in games, there are rewards for achieving goals and milestones in the “game of change.” These rewards may come in various forms – increased well-being, personal growth, a sense of accomplishment, or even improved relationships. Each behavior change contributes to your progress and unlocks these meaningful rewards.

Challenges and Adversaries: Just as games have challenges to overcome, the “game of change” presents its own obstacles. These challenges might be internal, like overcoming self-doubt, or external, like managing time effectively. Navigating these challenges requires adapting your behavior and strategies to overcome adversity.

Mastering the Game: The mastery of the “game of change” lies in consistently making intentional behavior changes that align with your goals and values. By embracing behavior change as an essential component, you can navigate this game more effectively and see real, transformative results.

This concept underscores that self-improvement and personal growth are not abstract concepts but are grounded in the tangible actions you take every day.

The “game of change” is a reminder that you have the power to shape your life by consciously altering your behaviors, habits, and choices.

Ultimately, the journey toward becoming your best self is, at its core, a journey of behavior change.

What’s Before You vs. What’s Behind You: Balancing Vision and Reflection for Maximum Value

Drawing insights from psychology and concepts like “The Gap and The Gain” by Dan Sullivan, the decision to focus on what’s before us versus what’s behind us depends on the context and the purpose of our focus:

Focusing on What’s Before Us (The Gap):

Vision and Aspirations: When you’re setting goals, creating a vision for your future, or planning your next steps, it’s essential to focus on what’s before you. This forward-looking approach helps you envision the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. It’s a way to channel your energy into growth, improvement, and future possibilities.
Motivation and Inspiration: Focusing on the gap can provide motivation and inspiration. It prompts you to strive for progress and encourages you to reach for your potential. By acknowledging the distance between your current reality and your desired outcome, you can tap into a drive to bridge that gap and achieve your goals.
Positive Discontent: The gap represents a positive form of discontent. It’s about recognizing that there’s room for improvement and growth, which can be a catalyst for positive change. Embracing the gap helps you avoid complacency and instead fosters a mindset of continuous improvement.

Focusing on What’s Behind Us (The Gain):

Reflection and Gratitude: Looking back on what you’ve accomplished is important for reflection and gratitude. Acknowledging your achievements, progress, and how far you’ve come helps you appreciate your journey. This retrospective view can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Learning from Experience: Examining what’s behind you provides an opportunity to learn from your experiences. By understanding your successes and challenges, you can extract valuable lessons that inform your future decisions. This learning process contributes to your personal and professional growth.
Maintaining Momentum: Reflecting on your past successes can fuel your momentum. It reminds you of your capacity to overcome obstacles and achieve goals, reinforcing your belief in your abilities. This positive reinforcement can be instrumental in approaching new challenges with confidence.

The choice to focus on what’s before us or what’s behind us depends on the context and purpose of our focus. Focusing on the gap is valuable for setting goals, staying motivated, and envisioning a brighter future.

On the other hand, focusing on the gain helps with reflection, gratitude, learning from experience, and maintaining momentum.

Both perspectives have their place in your personal and professional development journey, and a balanced approach that integrates both viewpoints can lead to well-rounded growth and success.

Eyes Forward in the Pursuit of Growth

“Eyes Forward” is a productivity concept that emphasizes focusing on the future while learning from past results.

It involves maintaining a forward-thinking mindset while leveraging the insights gained from your experiences to improve and adapt.

From a productivity perspective, “Eyes Forward” means:

Goal-Oriented Approach: You set clear goals and objectives that you want to achieve in the future. These goals become your focal points, driving your actions and decisions.
Learning from Results: Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or successes, you analyze your results to extract valuable lessons. This helps you refine your strategies and approaches moving forward.
Continuous Improvement: You view every endeavor as an opportunity to learn and grow. You apply the lessons learned from previous experiences to enhance your skills and performance.
Adaptability: As you move forward, you remain adaptable and open to change. You are willing to adjust your tactics based on new information and changing circumstances.
Optimism and Resilience: “Eyes Forward” is rooted in optimism and resilience. Even in the face of challenges, you maintain a positive outlook and use setbacks as stepping stones for improvement.

To forge ahead while learning from results and learning forward, consider these steps:

Reflect on Past Experiences: Take a moment to look back at the things you’ve done before. Think about what went well and what could’ve gone better. It’s like reviewing the highlights and the lessons from your own story.
Extract Key Insights: From those reflections, pick out the most important lessons. These could be things you’re good at, areas where you can improve, chances you didn’t take, and places you want to grow. It’s like finding the gems in your experiences.
Set Clear Goals: Think about where you want to go next. Define your goals clearly. Make them exciting, a bit of a stretch, but something you can realistically achieve. It’s like putting a big “X” on the treasure map.
Design Actionable Strategies: With your lessons and goals in mind, figure out what actions you need to take. Make a plan that uses what you’ve learned to make your journey smoother. It’s like creating a roadmap to follow.
Stay Adaptable: While you’re on your journey, be ready for surprises. Stay open to changes and challenges. If the road takes a twist, be okay with adjusting your plans. It’s like being ready for any kind of weather.
Regular Review: Keep an eye on how far you’ve come. Check if you’re getting closer to your goals. Look at how well your plans are working. It’s like checking the signs along the road.
Celebrate Wins: Don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back. Even small achievements are worth celebrating. It’s like throwing a mini-party for yourself to keep your spirits high.
Course Correct: If something doesn’t go as planned, don’t worry. Treat it as a chance to learn and improve. Adjust your plans if you need to. It’s like taking a detour when you stumble upon a new and interesting path.
Embrace Continuous Learning: Keep your curiosity alive. Be eager to learn new things, whether it’s skills, ideas, or ways of doing things. It’s like collecting tools and gadgets to help you on your adventure.

By combining forward-focused vision with a willingness to learn from your experiences, you can navigate the journey of productivity with greater purpose, effectiveness, and resilience.

Choose an Abundance Mindset Over a Scarcity Mindset

Choose an Abundance Mindset over a Scarcity Mindset for new opportunities and value creation.

Imagine you’re in a room with two different doors to open – one labeled “Abundance” and the other “Scarcity.” Each door leads to a different way of looking at the world and approaching opportunities.

Abundance Mindset Door: When you choose the “Abundance” door, you’re choosing to believe that the world is full of possibilities and resources. You see every challenge as a chance to learn and grow. This mindset encourages you to be creative, collaborative, and proactive. Instead of feeling threatened by others’ success, you’re excited to learn from them and contribute your unique value. This door leads to a room with expansive horizons and a view of endless opportunities.

Scarcity Mindset Door: On the other hand, the “Scarcity” door leads to a room filled with limited thinking. When you choose this door, you might see obstacles as roadblocks that prevent you from moving forward. Your focus is on what you lack, what you could lose, or how others’ successes might impact you negatively. This mindset can lead to hesitation, competition, and missed chances. It’s like looking through a small window that only shows a narrow view of the world.

So, why choose the “Abundance” door?

Because it opens your eyes to a world brimming with possibilities. When you approach life with an abundance mindset, you’re more likely to take calculated risks, explore uncharted territories, and think outside the box.

This, in turn, opens up new opportunities for growth and value creation.

Remember, the choice between these doors is within your power. By choosing the “Abundance” door, you’re not just seeing opportunities – you’re actively creating them and inviting more value into your life and the lives of others.

Connect Your Activities, Outcomes, and Tasks to Your Values

“Connect Your Activities, Outcomes, and Tasks to Your Values” is about aligning your daily actions with your core principles to infuse meaning into your work. Imagine each task as a steppingstone towards a greater purpose.

For instance, rather than just calling back a customer, aim to win a raving fan by providing exceptional service. Instead of merely completing a project, envision yourself leading an epic adventure in problem-solving, fostering a sense of excitement and purpose.

This approach transforms routine tasks into opportunities to express your values and make a lasting impact.

Here are more examples of how to connect your activities, outcomes, and tasks to your values:

Don’t Just Send an Email, Foster Effective Communication: Instead of simply sending an email, prioritize effective communication by crafting messages that are clear, empathetic, and focused on understanding the recipient’s needs.
Don’t Attend a Meeting, Drive Collaborative Solutions: Rather than just attending meetings, view them as opportunities to drive collaborative solutions. Engage actively, share insights, and work towards consensus to exemplify your commitment to teamwork and innovation.
Don’t Complete a Report, Deliver Insights for Informed Decisions: Instead of treating reports as tasks to complete, see them as tools to deliver valuable insights. Transform data into actionable recommendations that support informed decision-making, showcasing your dedication to informed progress.
Don’t Just Solve a Problem, Create Lasting Solutions: Instead of merely solving a problem, strive to create lasting solutions. Address root causes and implement preventive measures that resonate with your commitment to continuous improvement.
Don’t Just Mentor, Inspire Growth: If you mentor someone, aspire to inspire growth. Go beyond providing guidance – empower others to develop their skills, expand their horizons, and achieve their aspirations, reflecting your dedication to personal development.
Don’t Just Meet a Deadline, Demonstrate Reliability: Rather than meeting deadlines just for the sake of it, demonstrate your reliability. Consistently deliver high-quality work on time, showcasing your commitment to excellence and dependability.
Don’t Simply Code, Craft User-Centric Experiences: Instead of merely coding, focus on crafting user-centric experiences. Develop software that not only functions effectively but also enhances user satisfaction and usability, demonstrating your dedication to customer-centricity.
Don’t Complete a Task, Embrace Continuous Learning: Instead of viewing tasks as isolated events, approach them with a mindset of continuous learning. Seek opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills, embodying your dedication to personal and professional growth.
Don’t Just Manage a Team, Cultivate Leadership: If you’re a team manager, go beyond basic management duties. Cultivate leadership within your team by empowering members, fostering their growth, and fostering a collaborative environment that reflects your commitment to leadership development.
Don’t Merely Sell a Product, Provide Value: Instead of simply selling a product, focus on providing value. Understand your customers’ needs and offer solutions that genuinely address their pain points, exemplifying your dedication to customer satisfaction.

By connecting your daily tasks to your values, you transform routine actions into meaningful contributions that align with your principles and leave a positive impact on your work and those around you.

Think of Work and Life as a Value-Driven Journey

When it comes to value creation and seizing opportunities, we’ve begun on a transformative journey driven by the Agile Results framework and fueled by an abundance mindset.

We’ve learned that value creation transcends productivity—it’s about profound change, innovative thinking, and the dance between aspirations and actions.

At its core, value creation isn’t a transactional process; it’s a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.

We’ve discovered that an abundance mindset opens doors to limitless possibilities, reshaping challenges into steppingstones and setbacks into setups for comebacks.

By embracing change as the true driver of value, we’ve navigated the game of improvement with intention and purpose.

Our journey has shown us the power of focusing on both the horizon of opportunities and the lessons from the past. We’ve learned that it’s not just about completing tasks, but about making behavior changes that resonate deeply.

This shift from theory to practice is where true value blooms, as we evolve into the architects of our own growth.

In the canvas of value creation, we’ve painted a masterpiece of innovation, purpose, and fulfillment.

With each deliberate action and mindset shift, we’ve woven a narrative that echoes the essence of our journey—a journey of continuous improvement, resilience, and unbounded potential.

Enjoy your journey ahead of extraordinary value and limitless opportunity.

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