We don't value the Free and Easy.

The term "structure of value" refers to the organization or hierarchy of priorities, principles, or beliefs that an individual or a society uses to determine what is important, desirable, or valuable. It encompasses the underlying framework that guides decision-making and shapes one's perception of what is worth pursuing or prioritizing. 

In the context of a person and their goals, the structure of value plays a crucial role. It serves as a foundation for setting and evaluating personal objectives, determining the significance of different outcomes, and making choices that align with one's priorities.

The structure of value helps you define what matters most to you and provides a framework for assessing the worth or importance of various goals or aspirations. It influences how one allocates their time, resources, and efforts, as well as the decisions you make in pursuit of those goals.

For example, someone with a structure of value that places a high priority on personal growth and education may set goals related to acquiring knowledge, skills, or furthering their education. They might prioritize activities such as reading, attending workshops or courses, and seeking opportunities for intellectual development. On the other hand, someone with a structure of value that places greater emphasis on family and relationships might prioritize spending quality time with loved ones, nurturing meaningful connections, and making personal sacrifices for the well-being of their family.

The structure of value is deeply personal and can vary greatly from person to person, as it is shaped by individual experiences, cultural influences, personal beliefs, and core principles. It is an evolving framework that can change over time as individuals gain new insights, experiences, or undergo personal growth.

Understanding one's own structure of value and aligning goals with those values can lead to a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and coherence in life. It allows individuals to make choices and pursue objectives that are meaningful and personally satisfying, fostering a greater sense of well-being and fulfillment in the pursuit of their goals.

We don't value anything that comes easy or free 

The psychology behind why we often don't value things that we receive for free can be attributed to several factors:

The value we assign to things we sacrifice for in life can be attributed to several psychological factors:

Effort Justification: When we invest significant effort, time, or resources into achieving something, our minds tend to justify that effort by assigning higher value to the outcome. This is known as effort justification. We tend to attach greater importance to things we have worked hard for because we perceive them as more deserving of our attention, appreciation, and commitment.

Personal Investment: Sacrifice often involves personal investment, whether it be through the dedication of time, energy, or emotional commitment. When we sacrifice for something, it becomes deeply intertwined with our sense of self and identity. We value what we sacrifice for because it reflects our personal commitment, determination, and the significance we attribute to that particular goal or outcome.

Perceived Quality: There is a common belief that higher quality items or experiences come at a cost. When something is offered for free, it may be perceived as lower in quality or less desirable compared to a similar item or experience that comes with a price tag. We often associate value with a monetary value and assume that things obtained for free must be of lower quality or have some hidden catch.

Sense of Achievement: Accomplishing something through sacrifice can provide a sense of achievement and fulfillment. The recognition of overcoming challenges, persevering through difficulties, and attaining desired goals enhances our perception of value. The sacrifices made along the way contribute to a sense of accomplishment and reinforce the significance we place on the outcome.

Psychological Investment: Sacrifices often involve foregoing immediate gratification or giving up something we desire in the present for the sake of future rewards or goals. This psychological investment creates a sense of anticipation, hope, and attachment to the desired outcome, leading us to value it more deeply.

Cognitive Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance plays a role as well. When we make sacrifices, we experience a dissonance between the effort we put in and the potential devaluation of the outcome. To resolve this dissonance, our minds emphasize the value of what we sacrificed for, reinforcing our belief that it is worth the effort and validating our decision to sacrifice.

The value we assign to what we sacrifice for in life is influenced by a combination of effort justification, personal investment, sense of achievement, psychological investment, and cognitive dissonance. These factors contribute to a heightened appreciation and attachment to the outcomes we strive for through sacrifice.