Leading a life congruent with your personal values sets the course to a life that flows. Too many times we run sprint through life – not knowing where we are going, let alone knowing what we want for our lives. Some live life being okay with this (if this happens to be you- then stop reading this.) For those of us who want a life that rocks, and flows together, then read on. Values act as a reference point. Knowing the qualities that are most important to you, serve as a guide to leading the ultimate life.
How Values Serve You
A clearly defined set of values reduces stress and emotional turmoil. When we know what is most important to us- we make better decisions and take wiser actions. This also allows us to use our time and energy wisely. Why spend time and energy on actions that do not serve us?
Most importantly knowing what our priorities are serves as a guidance system. It lets us know when we are on course, and when we need to take a different path. Are the actions we are taking moving us closer or further away?
Defining Your Values
- The first step to knowing what is most important to you is to acknowledge it. Take some time to list the qualities that are most important to you. Here is a list of personal values from Steve Pavlina, to help get the wheels turning. Keep in mind we all have a different set of values. What are yours? Take the time to write them out.
Once you have your list of priorities in life- examine them. Are they congruent with your life today?
If they are in alignment with your current life and you are satisfied with life- awesome!
When your daily life is not reflecting your values, it’s time to do some more reflecting.
First is your list- what you hold in high regard or is it what someone else (family, friends, media) has imprinted upon you?
If any of these things are somewhat else thinks is a priority- dig a little deeper and discover it for yourself…
Now that a clearly defined list. Now it’s time to prioritize it. What is the most important item? Put it in numerical order. It is recommended to keep your list to about 10-15. My personal list is at 10.
Most importantly – take action! Keep this list where you can see frequently. It will serve as a guide and a check-in.
Changing with the seasons
Our values change with the seasons of life. One stage in my life was even I battled depression- what was at the top of my list was emotional wellness. Every day was an opportunity to become self-disciplined in becoming aware of my thoughts, feelings and how to assert them with confidence. Once I mastered this- I was at a different stage in my life- so my values changed.
Review your values every 3- 6 months. Are they different? If so write out a new list and take consistent action on what you deem most important. Life changes, and so do what we value.
Defining your personal values serves as a guidance system allowing you use your time wisely and wiser decisions. Acting in alignment with your priorities creates the ultimate life shift to living a life of fulfillment and inner peace.
Further Reading and Tools
