Defining Your Values #1
Have you ever defined your values?
In the process of goal setting, strategic visioning and articulating missions, this is a crucial exercise that often gets passed over. While you may have a pretty good idea of some of your values, the practice of putting them down on paper can provide some serious clarity. These are mine, grouped into 6 key areas:
- Spiritual, cognitive and physical health and freedom. I really value these. To live with love, joy and peace combined with a healthy brain and body…this is a pacesetter for all the others.
- Family, friends, adventure, nature and art. I enjoy life as much as possible and prioritizing these 5 produces ample room for gratitude, perspective and joy.
- Simplicity, generosity and wealth. At first blush, these may seem contradictory. But, if you embrace simplicity, you will have more room for generosity…and for that matter, wealth, which is simply money and assets that you save and invest rather than spend.
- Hard work and eco. Hustle, doing 110%, going the extra mile…these are reminders to work hard, which almost always yields a sense of doing the right thing. Eco seems to fit best here, since I value being a good steward of the earth.
- Inspiration. I have received so much from the inspirational words and creations of so many authors, speakers, artists, film makers, etc. In turn, I have always had a strong sense that I need to utilize my abilities to pass along inspiration as well.
- Service and leadership. Whether voluntary or paid, my life energy has been invested in serving and leading people, organizations and causes that create good in the world.
There is really not a right or wrong way to define your values. Mine all grow out of a sense of stewardship and gratitude for what God has given me. You may have 1-3 that are very specific or you may identify 10-20 that are more encompassing. In the end, if you live from your values, you will be putting first things first.
Worth Repeating
When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.
-Roy Disney
