I was asked by a life coach 8 years ago to list my values and to my surprise, it was a really difficult exercise. This is a door that you would not typically knock on until life presented you with a reason to do so. Schools don't offer a 'Values 101' class – but they should. You develop your values from the people responsible for raising you (knock, knock Door #1), your teachers, mentors, the people you spend the most time with. Values are an unwritten manifesto that you carry with you whether you are aware of them or not. And, they change as we evolve. My values when I was 21 are very different now.
My top five values in 2016 are: Attitude, Humor, Compassion, Gratitude and Curiosity.
When you dig deep to understand what you stand for, you will align your life with your values to lead a more fulfilling life. If honesty is one of your core values and your job is a used car salesperson, you ain't going to be happy - it doesn't work! Your values define you, guide you and help lead you through the unknown days ahead. They will help you make the best decisions in both your personal and professional life.
Next time you are sharing a glass of wine talking about your summer plans, change it up! Ask about their core values, talk about yours. Why not? They are so important to uncover and there is no shame in saying, ‘heck, not sure’. Being aware of not knowing is just as valuable. You can then start using your thoughts in a productive way – watch yourself as you go through your days and you’ll begin to discover what is most important to you. Tada, your values list will begin to develop.
Get through the door to figure them out. Find someone you trust to do the exercise with. Think about the moments that brought you joy and what was going on. What makes you really proud? If you close your eyes and dig deep inside, what comes from your soul? What are you made of and what do you want to shine through? Your values are who you are! Go find them and go live by them. Then invite someone to join you behind Door #3.
With love,
Katie