With the Dow index days away from 13000 (once attained back in May of 2008), time once again to review how our sense of personal worth is so closely tied to numbers.
What's your personal worth index?
Is it the number of digits on some statement? Do you define your worth by a P&L or bank statement? If so, what do these numbers do for you? Do these numbers comfort you when your nose drips while suffering another round of sneezes brought on by the latest cold virus? How might pieces of paper (other than tissues such as statements, currencies, bonds, deeds or stocks) ease the pain you feel when you learn you (or someone you love) has a medical condition where no amount of money will resolve?
As your National Personal Worth Examiner, I follow more than the DOW index to monitor personal worth.
For example, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC - a part of the World Health Organization) cancer rates are up. How might the DOW's indices play a role in the rise in cancer rates. We all know stress attacks your immune systems. (No stress in following the DOW - right?) We all know cancers wreak havoc with your immune system. Is your health part of your personal worth index? If so, in what proportion is it to your financial index? How do you sacrifice your physical or emotional health to increase your financial worth?
How would your partner, child, family member or dear friend answer these questions about you:
- "Does [your name] work too much?"
- "Does [your name] eat healthy?"
- "More often than not, is [your name] happy?"
Next, do your research regarding domestic violence. In many cases domestic abuse involves issues concerning finances. Sadly, when you spend time crunching the numbers from domestic violence reports, numbers continue to increase as more victims take the bold step to report the abuse they've taken (often for far too long). Just about every domestic violence report appends the disclaimer that "true statistics are difficult to obtain" based on the reality that many victims do NOT report being abused for fear of more abuse.
How do you calculate your personal worth index based on either the number of or quality of personal relationships? Do you factor in the level of respect you give or receive every single relationship you have? How aware are you regarding your reputation in other people's eyes?
How would your partner, child, family member or dear friend answer these questions about you?
- "How much does [your name] respect you?"
- "How often does [your name] argue about financial issues?"
- "What's [your name] reputation like in your circles?"
In upcoming posts, we'll explore more factors to consider concerning your personal worth index. Stay tuned. In the meantime, remind yourself your personal worth is far more than numbers printed on any kind of paper.
Be sure to chime in on this post as well. Constructive, compassionate comments always welcomed.
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