Adding Value Beyond the Task: A Lesson from My Son (and My Business)

The other day, my son came to me with a request — he wanted to make some money.
Not for something small like snacks or games, but to fund his new favorite hobby: golfing.

Now, I love that he’s found something he enjoys, but as any parent knows, golf isn’t exactly a budget-friendly activity. So I told him I’d help out here and there, but if he wanted to golf as much as he’s been talking about, it was time to get a job or start doing chores to earn some of that money himself.

Before handing him a list of chores, I asked him to sit down for a quick conversation. Because this wasn’t just about earning a few dollars — I wanted him to understand something deeper.

It’s Not About the Money — It’s About the Value

I told him, “I’m paying you to do these things not because I can’t do them myself, but because I’m choosing to invest my money instead of my time right now — and your time and effort are valuable to me.”

But here’s the key: that value goes far beyond a dollar amount.

I explained that if he only focused on doing chores for money, he’d spend his whole life chasing it. But if he learned to do the work with pride and intention — to add value — the money would follow. And more importantly, he’d enjoy what he was doing.

As I said the words out loud, I realized I was speaking to myself just as much as to him.

When I Stopped Chasing and Started Creating

When I started my photography business, my goal was simple: stay home with my boys and help pay the bills. It wasn’t about passion or purpose yet — it was about making things work.

But over time, that changed.

When I shifted my mindset from “get the job done and get paid” to “show up fully, add value, and serve others,” everything started to feel different. I wasn’t just taking photos — I was creating experiences. I was helping people see themselves, building their confidence, and telling stories that would be cherished for generations.

That’s when my business truly came alive. And honestly, that’s when my dreams started coming true.

How to Move from “Getting It Done” to “Adding Value”

Whether you’re a kid doing chores or an entrepreneur running a business, this mindset shift can change everything.
Here are three ways I try to practice it every day:

1. See Beyond the Task

Don’t just ask “What do I need to do?” — ask “Why does it matter?”

Every small action connects to something bigger. Folding laundry might mean someone you love has clean clothes for the week. Editing photos means you’re helping a family preserve their memories.

I have a sign in my kitchen that says, “Don’t just wash the dish because it’s dirty — wash it because someone you love is going to use it next.”
That perspective changes everything.

The same goes for business. Every email, every gallery, every photo I deliver — it’s not just a task. It’s a piece of care and connection for the person on the receiving end.

2. Do It with Pride, Not Just Precision

Anyone can complete a checklist. But when you bring energy, intention, and care to what you do, it transforms the experience — for you and for others.

I didn’t want my son to just “check off” his chores. I wanted him to show up and take pride in his work — because when you do, others can feel it.

And the same goes for photography (or any business): people can tell when you’re truly invested in what you do.

3. Give More Than Expected

This one might be my favorite: look for opportunities to surprise people with the unexpected extra.

It could be a handwritten note, a thoughtful detail, or just a little more time and attention than someone expected. That’s where the magic happens — in the “above and beyond”.

My parents used to tell me, “Whatever you do, give 110%.” And I tell my kids the same. It’s about taking pride in your work — not because someone’s watching, but because you care about the impact you leave behind.

Even when I asked my son to sweep the basement stairs, I told him, “Don’t just stop at the stairs. Look around. Do a little more than what’s asked.”
That’s how we create value. That’s how we grow.

The Bigger Picture

Whether you’re teaching your kids about work ethic or trying to find more heart in your business, remember this:
Adding value isn’t just good business — it’s good life.

When we lead with intention, pride, and care, we don’t just create results — we create connection.

And in the end, that’s what truly matters.

What about you?
Where in your life or business can you shift from “checking the boxes” to “creating value”?
I’d love to hear your thoughts — share them in the comments below or send me a message!