In the journey of understanding yourself, you need to become aware of your Values. Then you must determine if those values are really yours and if they truly serve you.
What is a Value? I have worked with many coaching clients around this very issue. Many people think their On your journey to understanding yourself, a key action is to become aware of your deeply held values. Discovering YOUR true values may be a real eye-openning exercise. It is a very necessary exercise, because those values impact your judgement, perspective, and your actions. values and their preferences are the same. Nay, nay! The two are as different as preferring strawberry jelly over grape jelly, and needing to breathe. Big difference, right?
Values are those deeply held, non-negotionable beliefs that either drive your choices and actions, or leave you feeling like you have sold out. Violating your values results in a poor self-image and low self-esteem. This is what causes some of us to continually self-sabatage. It is important to understand that many people are not aware of their values, or the validity of those values.
Think about what the things are that you are not willing to negotiate. What is it that is so important to you that you will never compromise. As you begin to identify your values, write them down on paper. Now, look at each one thoughtfully, and think about where that value originated. Got it? Good! Now, ask yourself if that value is valid. Perhaps it was at one time, but is no longer valid. Or, it may be very valid. Does it serve you well in your pursuit of maximizing your potential?
What actions, attitudes, judgements do those values bring about? What actions, attitudes, judgemtents do those values cause you to avoid?
Walmart founder, Sam Walton, valued employees and customers. Because of that many of his his employees became millionaires, and customers were greeted with a smile and offered assistance by the employees – often several times while they were in the store.
On the other hand, I have met people and been in companies who proclaim certain values, yet they don’t live those values in their daily lives.
My church values guests and members. People are greeted warmly with a smile and a kind word. They are assisted with finding the place for their children, helped in finding a seat, and treated as a VIP. I have attended other churches who say the value guest and members, but unless they know you few even speak to you.
Understanding these values allows you to choose in line with your core being. This will produce confidence and authenticity. You must understand, however, that others may not hold these same values. Also, understand that you cannot force your values on another person, and you should never project your values to another and their motivation.
Yes, your values matter. Be aware of them and honor them, and you will have a better self-image and self-esteem.
Thank you for the time you’ve invested reading this, and for congratulations on your desire to grow.
Have a great day!
Danny