Pump Fakes and Paychecks

In the realm of sports, stars like Lamar Jackson and LeBron James shine bright, commanding staggering paychecks. Their immense earnings reflect the perceived worth of their time by fans, sponsors, and their respective teams. But should we measure the value of our time solely through the lens of dollars and cents? The truth is, money’s role in defining our worth can be deceiving.

Lamar Jackson slated to earn a whopping $80 million from his salary and bonuses this year. He will make approximately $1,538,461 per week, $38,461 per hour, and $641.03 per minute this year.

Consider LeBron James, who earned $37 million from his NBA salary in 2021. And then consider the fact that he made more money than the combined salaries of the entire WNBA. Basically the Lakers said if they had to pick between putting Lebron on the court versus all of the 144 WNBA players at once, their money is on Lebron. Wow. Not even those queens can take his crown. Who would’ve thought him playing a game for 48 minutes could be worth so much?

This exemplifies how time can be equated with significant economic value. Natural talent, extraordinary skills and unwavering dedication have propelled these guys into a stratosphere most of us can only dream of reaching. However, we must remember that the value of our time extends beyond the confines of our income.

Consider the hours spent with loved ones—a simple evening with your spouse, cherished moments with your children, or the laughter shared with friends. These moments, while not paying us $690 a minute, are invaluable in enriching our lives. Likewise, when we rest we rejuvenate our bodies and minds, enhancing our overall well-being.

But even the frustrating times are not worthless: visiting a family member in the hospital; staying up all night caring for a sick child; making a call to check on someone going through a tough time. These activities do not make us money, and they may even cost us money. But just because they do not bump us up into the next tax bracket doesn’t mean the time we invested was not valuable and proper. That person is worth our time.

The deception lies (pun intended) in equating our self-worth solely with our income. Whether we earn a lot or a little, our job titles and salaries should not be the sole arbiters of our value. Society or employers may attempt to dictate our worth, but it is essential to recognize that our true value transcends these numbers. Our value as human beings is not determined by our economic status. Rather, it is shaped by our character, our relationships, and what we do, not how much we get paid.

Lamar Jackson and LeBron James, while emblematic of the economic value of time, also serve as potent reminders of the danger of overemphasizing money as the sole determinant of our worth. Don’t feel worthless because they are “worth” more than you.

How “wealthy” would you and I be if we measured our time by the experiences and connections it permits us to cultivate? We should recognize that our value lies not in our annual, monthly, or weekly income, but in the richness we bring to our lives and the lives of others.

In the relentless pursuit of financial success, it is easy to lose sight of life’s true treasures. While money undoubtedly plays a role in securing our material needs and aspirations, it should not become the sole lens through which we evaluate our worth. The value of our time encompasses the moments of joy, love, laughter, and personal growth that enrich our lives beyond measure.

So, as we celebrate the achievements of those like Jackson and James, we should also remember that the essence of our time’s worth is found in the intangible experiences, meaningful relationships, and personal growth that contribute to our well-being and shape the legacy we leave behind for the people who actually matter to us.