"V" Value

Value: a person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life.

What is important to you? What do you value? Are the things you value worthy or pointless? These are all questions I challenge you to answer.

When you attach value to something or someone it seems to become more important. You find yourself making sacrifices and doing whatever needed to fill a void. Think about how powerful your relationship with God would be if you valued it the way you valued money or new sneakers. Imagine if you valued your EDUCATION or simple relationships the way you valued money. Our culture ties value to things we could honestly go without. Many enjoy material things which are understandable and acceptable, but our culture as a whole is losing sight of what’s important. Helping the youth, giving back to those in need, education, God, relationships, better health, are all things we should value more instead of sneakers, cars, jewelry, and unnecessary material things.  

Within mentorship an individual’s values play a significant role in progression and their commitment to their mentee. Take time to pour into someone, simply listen, or instruct in some form. The reward is much greater than the 100 likes you may receive via instagram or Facebook from the picture of the new watch or purse you shared with your followers.  Anyone can have a mentor and should have one. Every day is a challenge to progress and make a difference. Discover new values and make a pros and cons list of what is important versus not. Think outside the box, dare to be different and stop worrying about judgment. Take time to reevaluate your core values and find out what is really important. Do you want to be successful as bad as you want to party? Do you want to be successful as bad as you want the new sneakers coming out? Many misjudge success simply because of false values!

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”

-Albert Einstein

The "I" in D.I.V.E.R.S.E

."I"- Individual(s)

Individual: a single human being as distinct from a group, class, or family.

When I was younger I use to hear adults the often saying, “Be careful who you hang out with”, there name will slowly become yours.  The funny thing is I always listened and wanted to know what they meant. The harsh reality is that people do judge you by those you associate yourself with. This is why one must become a true individual before joining a group.

 I made sure I associated myself with individuals with a plan, who set goals, who at least wanted better. Yes an individual is one person, but think about a group, a team, a family, a workplace, an organization, etc. These are all groups of INDIVIDUALS who make up a whole. Before they received there label from society they needed key elements which could allow them to become part of a group. For instance if you forget an individual ingredient while cooking it could ruin your recipe,  same way as if you have a group or workforce who is in need of a different aspect, or opinion, there is an individual that will fill that void. Of course every ingredient is not as significant as the other, but they all play a part in creating a masterpiece. My point is that every INDIVIDUAL has the obligation to touch a life and become someone’s blessing in some form.  I want to empower young men and women to become strong individuals and even stronger members of the world. An individual is nothing without the group they affiliate themselves with. Do not be afraid to ask for help, and seek out options. Our culture as a whole lacks this; we are a very individualistic society that focuses on betterment for themselves. Survival of the fittest, but if you find individuals who are walking the same path as you, much more can be accomplished. Not only are goals being accomplished but now you are inspiring others and becoming a blessing.  As an individual surround yourself around those who are walking the same path as you. As an individual do not be afraid to pave the way.

“People who inspire others are those who see invisible bridges at the end of dead-end streets.”

-Zack Reynolds