Most people obsess over the wrong question: “How do I make more money?”
It sounds productive — but it’s actually a self-focused trap. When you chase money directly, you often hit burnout or short-term wins that don’t last.
But what if you flipped the script?
High achievers — entrepreneurs, leaders, and top performers — ask a better question: “How do I create more value?”
This small mindset shift changes everything.
The Psychology Behind the Question
When you ask “How do I make more money?”, your brain locks onto the end result — money — without focusing on the cause. It triggers your survival brain, leading to desperate, short-term thinking. You chase quick cash instead of building something meaningful.
“How do I create more value?” shifts your brain into a creator mindset. It engages your problem-solving brain, focusing on serving others. Money becomes the natural reward for solving problems — at scale.
Let’s break it down:
- “How do I make more money?” → Focuses on outcome, breeds short-term thinking.
- “How do I create more value?” → Focuses on input, drives sustainable success.
This shift is the difference between chasing cash and attracting wealth.
The Old Mindset: Money-First, Burnout-Driven
“How do I make more money?” is rooted in self-focus. It centers around what you want — not what the world needs. This leads to:
- Burnout: You push harder, but without purpose, exhaustion kicks in.
- Short-term gains: You might score quick wins, but they rarely last.
- Missed opportunities: By focusing on money alone, you overlook the real leverage — value creation.
🔍 Real-world example:
- You launch an online store, but only think about profit margins. You cut corners on product quality and customer service. Sales trickle in — then stop.
Result? Burnout, refunds, and a dead business.
The New Mindset: Value-First, Money Follows
“How do I create more value?” shifts your focus to contribution. It forces you to think about how you can improve someone else’s life — and the money follows as a natural byproduct.
Here’s what happens when you lead with value:
- You build trust: People pay those who consistently solve their problems.
- You differentiate yourself: Most people chase money — you stand out by serving.
- You create long-term success: Value-first businesses build loyal audiences and repeat customers.
💡 Real-world example:
- Instead of fixating on sales, you focus on creating a better product with exceptional customer support. Your customers rave about it, refer friends, and keep coming back — skyrocketing your revenue.
Case Study: Alex’s Shift from Cash Chaser to Value Creator
Alex, a graphic designer, was stuck asking, “How do I make more money?” He took low-paying gigs, burned out fast, and plateaued.
Then he reframed: “How do I create more value?”
- He studied high-converting sales pages and brand strategy.
- He repositioned his services to help clients boost revenue — not just “get a logo.”
- He created a lead magnet (a free brand audit) to offer upfront value.
Six months later, Alex wasn’t competing on price — he was charging $10k+ per project because he solved bigger problems.
Practical Strategies: Turning Value into Income
Let’s turn this mindset shift into action.
🛠️ 1. Identify Who You Serve
Money flows to those who solve problems. Ask yourself:
- Who has a painful, urgent problem I can solve?
- What outcomes would be life-changing for them?
- What skills, knowledge, or resources do I have to help?
👉 Pro tip: The more specific your audience, the clearer their problems — and the more valuable your solution.
🛠️ 2. Solve Bigger Problems
The size of your income is directly tied to the size of the problems you solve. Level up your thinking:
- Small problem: I design logos → Big problem: I create brand identities that drive sales.
- Small problem: I sell fitness coaching → Big problem: I help busy professionals lose weight without sacrificing family time.
👉 Pro tip: Ask yourself, “What’s the biggest version of the problem I can solve?”
🛠️ 3. Deliver Value Upfront
Want to build trust fast? Give value first.
- Offer a free guide, audit, or strategy session.
- Share high-value content on social media.
- Help people before asking for money.
👉 Pro tip: People trust those who help them — not those who sell to them.
The Key Lesson: Money Is a Byproduct of Value
Wealthy people don’t ask, “How do I make more money?” — they ask, “How do I create more value?”
They don’t chase cash — they attract it by solving bigger, more meaningful problems.
Next time you find yourself thinking, “How do I make more money?” — stop.
Ask: “How do I create more value?” — and watch your income, influence, and opportunities explode.
👉 Challenge: Identify one way you can create more value — for your boss, customers, or audience. Share your idea in the comments — let’s crowdsource value creation together!
