Day 77: Add Value

We've all heard some version of it, haven't we? "You reap what you sow." "Give and you shall receive." Those timeless principles packaged and repackaged across centuries, religions, and TED talks all essentially saying the same bloody thing: value out follows value in.

But let's be honest, shall we? In our swipe-right, instant-gratification culture, the patience required for genuine value creation feels almost... quaint.

The Great Value Misconception (Or Why Everyone's Waiting for Their Ship That Never Bloody Sails)

I was reminded of that brilliant exchange from "The Wolf of Wall Street" between Matthew McConaughey and Leonardo DiCaprio:

Mark Hanna: "You know what a fugazi is?" Jordan Belfort: "Fugazi... it's a fake." Mark Hanna: "Fugazi, fugazi. It's a whazy. It's a woozie. It's fairy dust."

That's what most people's understanding of "adding value" is fairy dust. They believe success will magically materialise if they simply exist long enough in proximity to opportunity. As if value is something you stumble upon rather than something you deliberately create.

But here's the uncomfortable truth: the universe doesn't owe you anything. Not a bloody thing. Success isn't a participation trophy for showing up. Charlie Munger put it just right "...the world is not yet a crazy enough place to reward a whole bunch of undeserving people"

Solomon's Wisdom

King Solomon, purportedly the wealthiest man who ever lived understood the principle of adding value with striking clarity. In Proverbs 22:29, he observes: "Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank." (NIV)

The implication is clear, isn't it? Develop uncommon skill, create uncommon value, and you'll have uncommon access.

Solomon didn't just inherit his wealth, he multiplied it through wisdom, trade networks, and creating systems of value that benefited multiple kingdoms. He became a value hub, not just a value seeker.

The Psychology of Value Creation 

According to research from the University of Pennsylvania, there's something called the "Ikea Effect", people place disproportionately high value on things they've helped create. We value what we've invested in.

This extends beyond furniture assembly, mind you. Adam Grant (in his not-entirely-useless book "Give and Take") found that the most successful people are often "otherish givers", those who give in ways that align with their own interests rather than pure selfless martyrs or calculating takers.

The sweet spot isn't mindless giving until you're empty. It's strategic value creation that serves others while fueling your own growth.

The Mathematical Certainty of Value Return 

Even if you're allergic to anything remotely spiritual, the principle holds from a purely mathematical perspective.

If you provide value to one person, your impact is limited. If you provide value to ten people, your network expands. If you create a system that provides value to thousands...well, that's how empires are built, isn't it?

As Robert Cialdini points out in his slightly overrated but still useful book "Influence," the principle of reciprocity is hardwired into human psychology. When you add genuine value, people feel a natural obligation to return it.

It's not manipulation; it's human nature. Give first, give generously, genuinely, give strategically and the return is almost mathematically certain.

The Four Value Catalysts 

There seem to be four primary ways to create value that actually matters (according to some random boy writing blogs at 5 AM, I wouldn't really rely much on his info) :

1. Solve genuine problems (not manufactured ones)
2. Remove significant pain (physical, emotional, financial)
3. Create meaningful connection (in an increasingly isolated world)
4. Generate authentic joy (not the Instagram version)

Everything else is just noise, isn't it? Packaging and repackaging the same fundamental human needs with different marketing.

The Anti-Value Trap (Where Most People Live Their Entire Lives)

Most people operate in what I call the "Anti-Value Trap" they're perpetually asking:

• What can I get?
• What am I owed?
• Why isn't this working for me?
• When will I catch a break?

Mhm...sound familiar?

Meanwhile, value creators are asking entirely different questions:

• What unique solution can I offer?
• Whose life can I significantly improve today?
• How can I make this system/process/relationship better?
• Where is pain that I'm uniquely positioned to address?

From Consumption to Creation (The Only Transformation That Actually Matters)

The fundamental shift required is from consumption to creation. From taking to giving. From waiting to initiating.

Jesus said it rather directly: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap." (Luke 6:38)

Now, I'm not suggesting some prosperity gospel nonsense where you give a tenner and magically receive a Ferrari. That's manipulative rubbish.

I'm talking about the natural law that value precedes reward. That the marketplace whether economic, social, or spiritual responds to what you put in before it gives back.

Perhaps the most profound paradox about adding value is this: the moment you genuinely stop focusing on what you can get and start obsessing about what you can give, everything you wanted begins finding its way to you.

It's not magical thinking. It's not wishful manifesting. It's the straightforward mechanics of how human systems actually work.

So here's my challenge to you: Identify one area where you've been waiting to receive, and ruthlessly convert it into an area where you relentlessly give. Then watch what happens. You: But Mfundo I want money, does that mean I should go around giving out money, that I do not have? Me: Well, I ain't got all the answers now do I?

Because value out truly does follow value in. And that's not a platitude; it's a bloody certainty. Now, I sound like I've got all the answers, but well I said it. Bloody Certainty!!!

Now I should probably go check on that other project I've been neglecting while writing this...or maybe I'll just make another cup of coffee first.

Because This is What We Do NOW!