Have you ever thought about how our values shape how we respond to things and how they affect the decisions, actions and direction we take in life?
In fact, if someone was to ask what are YOUR Top 5 Values that make ‘you tick’… would you be able to tell them ?
It’s important to remember that a Value is neither morally good, nor bad – and it is not something that should be judged. A Value is something that is intrinsic to what we feel and what is important to us in OUR life – driving our responses, actions, choices and feelings of satisfaction – and how we may interact with others.
An example of this is if a person was to Value ‘Independence’ – this will affect their attitudes, the job they choose and the nature of relationships and friendships that they keep – in relation to valuing that ‘Independence’. Different values will lead to different behaviours. Values can change over time as we grow and change through our life e.g. from a child to a parent.
So, how do our Values help us ?
Clarity and Direction: Values provide clarity about what is important to us. They help us understand what we stand for and what we want to prioritize in our lives... providing direction and setting meaningful goals aligned with them.
Decision Making: When faced with difficult choices or dilemmas, our values serve as our guide to these - helping weigh up options and make choices that are consistent with our beliefs, leading to a feeling of greater satisfaction and fulfilment.
Authenticity and Integrity: When we live according to our values it promotes authenticity and integrity. When our actions align with our values, we feel genuine and true to ourselves. This strengthens our relationships, builds trust, and enhances our sense of self-respect.
Resilience: Values provide a foundation for resilience when things get tough or challenge us. When we encounter obstacles or setbacks, our values can act as source of motivation and energy. They remind us of what truly matters and inspire us to push-through despite difficulties.
Relationships and Community: Shared values form the basis of meaningful connections with others. When we share common values with friends, family, or colleagues, it strengthens our relationships and fosters a sense of belonging within communities. Values also serve as a basis for collaboration and cooperation towards common ground and shared goals.
Sense of Purpose: Living according to our values gives us a sense of purpose and meaning in life. When we align our actions with what we believe to be important, we experience a deeper sense of satisfaction, which leads to a true sense of purpose.
Self-awareness and Growth: Reflecting on our values encourages self-awareness and personal growth. By understanding our values, we gain insights into our motivations, preferences, and aspirations. This self-awareness enables us to make intentional choices that support our growth and development.
Curious about finding out what motivates and energises you? With increasing self-awareness in mind, here’s a simple exercise and way to check-in and find yours…
Here is a set of Values…
Circle the ones that are important to you…
Choose and select all of the values you agree with
This may be many as most can be perceived as having some worth
Add other values that are not on the list.
Now select and prioritize your Top 5 Values
Combine any values you see as same or similar
Take care not to combine values that have a different outcome or feeling for you.
Now reflect on the Values that you have prioritized
Now you know what values drive your choices, actions and feelings - any surprises?
Write a short paragraph for each Value on how you want that particular value to be present in what you do ‘day to day’?
Life can become transformative when we honour our values…here’s to living them 😊
Get in touch if you'd like to explore further what they mean for you… gerry@thepivotalspace.com
Comments