"You don’t get paid by the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to an hour."
- Jim Rohn

How many times do we claim to want to get paid more money for our jobs? Yet, how many of us really work hard enough to earn the amount of money we receive? I know there are many people who claim to work very hard. However, even these people often fall short of earning the amount of money they are paid. You might even be thinking this couldn’t possibly apply to you – but you’re wrong! If you honestly look at yourself and are willing to admit it, very few of us measure up very often.

When I first read this, I thought about work. We all know people who simply aren’t paid what they are worth. We also know the people who really should be paying their employer instead of getting paid! But the more I think about this quote, the more I realize it applies to more than just work.

I really think this applies to our entire lives. For example, what if we apply this concept to relationships? Our relationships can’t be measured simply by the amount of time we spend in them. They are really measured by the value they bring to our lives.

Think about it, which relationships are the most important to you? How much time have you “wasted” with these people? If you really enjoy being with someone, be with them. Don’t just occupy space next to them; be with them!

Which would add more “value” to your relationship; watching a movie or having a long conversation while taking a walk? I’m perfectly willing to admit there are times when all I have the energy for is to sit and watch a movie! But for all the other times, any activity that involves lots of conversation, interaction, and laughter adds much more value to my relationships than just occupying space next to someone while watching a movie.

For what its worth, stop measuring your life by the hour, but by the value you give to others, or the value others give to you.