A Simple but Valuable Question to Ask Yourself

Growing up in the ’90s, sales and coupons were everything. The idea was simple — buy in bulk, get a discount, and feel like you were saving money. But over time, this habit shaped the way many of us think about value. Instead of buying what we actually needed, we focused on getting the best deal. In reality, this mindset often led to clutter, waste, and misplaced priorities.

The same concept applies to life beyond the checkout counter. We are constantly measuring cost, but do we truly understand value?

One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was when I had to choose between my business and my child. As a single mother, my business was not just my livelihood — it was something I had built with passion and dedication. But when one of my children needed more of my energy, my sales declined. I felt like a failure.

The guilt was overwhelming. But then I asked myself:

What do I truly owe my energy and responsibility to?

The answer was clear: my child.

I started reframing the situation — he wasn’t a “distraction” from success. He was my billion-dollar investment. As I sat in meetings, advocating for him, that’s exactly what I told people. And even though my business suffered for a while, I stood by my choice with confidence. Because value isn’t just about financial gain — it’s about where you choose to invest your time, love, and energy.

The Question That Will Change How You See Life

When we measure value — or the lack of it — we gain the ability to make better decisions. If you find yourself constantly attracting toxic people, unhealthy behaviors, or self-sabotaging patterns, don’t overcomplicate things. Instead, ask yourself this simple but powerful question:

Is this person, decision, or behavior putting me at risk of harm?

We tend to justify, explain, or label situations, but at the core, this is what matters: Risk vs. Reward.

Ask yourself:

• Will this food put my health at risk?

• Will this job put my primary relationships at risk (partner, parents, children)?

• Will this behavior put my reputation at risk?

• Will this investment or decision put me in harm’s way?

We often gloss over the consequences of the present in an attempt to secure the future. But here’s the reality: if something is detrimental now, it will likely be detrimental later as well.

As I shared a few weeks ago — don’t wait until things become unbearable before taking action. Accountability means stepping up before you’re forced to.

Change the Paradigm: Price vs. Value

“Price is only an issue if value is absent.”

Too often, we fixate on cost instead of what we’re actually getting. We hesitate to invest in help, mentorship, or a support system because of the price tag. But ask yourself — what is the real cost of not having support?

Imagine buying a used car without a mechanic you trust. You wouldn’t take the risk of purchasing something that could break down at any moment. A good mechanic ensures you get what you need and don’t lose money in the process.

Life is no different. Having transparency and support is like adding beams to the foundation of your life. You don’t have to do it alone.

Ask yourself:

• Where in life do I need more support?

• Where am I taking unnecessary risks?

• Am I investing in what truly matters, or just looking for a “good deal” at the expense of long-term value?

Shifting our perspective on value allows us to make choices that don’t just make sense today — but build a foundation for the future.

Want to Go Deeper?

📖 My book It’s Personal is available here: Amazon — It’s Personal

💬 For one-on-one coaching, contact me at [email protected]

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