Identifying the Values Most Important to You
I recently had to run for election to the board of my condo association. I campaigned on the following: Vision, Proven Leadership, Experience, Honesty, Integrity, Transparency, and Fun. After giving this some thought, these are the values I put into everything I do, whether it be hypnosis, Airbnb rentals, or managing the affairs of our condo association.
My values came from my parents and a few select friends, teachers, and mentors. I'm fortunate to have witnessed firsthand how these people incorporated these values into their friendships and businesses. My parents were incredibly influential because they had a vision of how they wanted their life to be. My parents were not ones to follow the crowd, but they managed to be trailblazers in almost everything they did even if their following was small. By conducting themselves with honesty, integrity, and transparency, they often created win-win situations for all involved. If it wasn't fun, it wasn't worth doing. Everything they did incorporated fun! I'm thrilled I've been able to follow in their footsteps (even though I didn't consciously know it).
Our values are learned unconsciously by watching the actions of others.
As we voyage through the sea of life, our values serve as the compass that guides our decisions, influences our behavior, and shapes our destiny. They are the lighthouse illuminating our path during stormy weather of confusion and uncertainty. Identifying and understanding the values most important to us can lead to a more purposeful and fulfilling life.
Reflect on Your Life's High Points
Think about the moments when you felt the most joy, pride, and fulfillment. What were you doing? Who were you with? These peak moments can reveal what truly matters to you. Whether it was the satisfaction from helping others, the thrill of achieving a hard-earned goal, or the peace found in solitude – each of these experiences sheds light on your core values.
Consider Your Heroes
Our heroes often embody the qualities that we admire and strive for. Reflect on the people you look up to—what inspires you about them? Is it their creativity, resilience, wisdom, or compassion? Understanding why you hold someone in high regard can provide insights into the values you prioritize in your own life.
Look at Times of Discontent
Just as our positive experiences highlight our values, our reactions to adverse situations can be equally telling. Think of the times when you were upset or frustrated—what triggered these feelings? Was it injustice, dishonesty, or maybe a lack of respect? Your emotional responses to such incidents can help you recognize the values you hold dear.
Identify Values and Define Them in Your Own Words
Once you've gathered insights from your life experiences, create a list of the values that resonate with you. Freedom, trust, innovation, loyalty—whatever they may be, define them in your own words to give them personal significance. This personalized definition will enable you to better recognize when living in alignment with your values.
Prioritize Your Values
With a list in hand, it's time to prioritize. Not all values hold equal weight in every situation, so identifying which ones are non-negotiables helps you make choices congruent with your inner self. Imagine you're drafting the blueprint of your life; which values are the load-bearing walls that your life structure cannot stand without?
Integrate Your Values into Your Daily Life
Knowing your values is one thing, but living them out is where accurate alignment happens. Look for ways to integrate your values into your everyday activities. If family is paramount, carve out quality time with loved relatives despite a busy schedule. If innovation drives you, allocate time each week to explore new ideas or learn something new.
Re-evaluate Regularly
As we grow and evolve, so do our values. Please make it a habit to periodically reassess what's important to you. Are your values still relevant, or have new experiences reshaped your perspective? Continuous reflection ensures that you remain true to the person you are becoming.
Remember, discovering your values is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the exploration with an open heart, and let your values illuminate the path to a vivid and authentic life.
What values do you live your life by?
