The other day when I was scrolling my way through Facebook, I came across a video where one of the most popular soccer players, Cristiano Rolando, disguised by a make up crew as a regular person went out to practice at a city center plaza. His juggling skill were amazing, but no one really cared to look. Even when Cristiano went as far as trying to pass the ball to folks nearby, most looked like him like he was crazy and rushed off even faster to their destinations. As it turned out, only a kid took him up on the offer. They played for a few minutes, after which Cristiano took off his disguise and proceeded to signing his ball. He was instantly recognized and security had to be called in to help him get out.
This had me wonder. Why did no one care when Rolando displayed the very skills that made him famous? It was only after he showed his face and stopped playing soccer when people started to pay attention.
Could it be because we want achievement, but have little interest in the skills needed to get there? Or perhaps skills matter only when validated in the court of social opinion?
The main takeaway for me is the human auto-tendency to pick what has been previously deemed by others as valuable. In other words, hedging bets to make sure our choice is a safe choice. Because, on the other hand, making our own value decisions takes brain cycles and might not be approved by our environment. At least initially anyway. That’s risky.
Risky, but infinitely more rewarding. So my intention is to value based on what aligns best with my inner being. I want to have the very childlike curiosity that got this kid a one on one session with a soccer superstar whom some consider greatest ever.
How do you determine value? Or is the value determined for you?
