Core Values
The Meaning of Values
“Values are internalized attitudes about what is right and wrong, ethical and unethical, moral and immoral. Values are important because they influence a person’s preferences, perception of problems, and choice of behavior.” // Gary A. Yukl, Leadership in Organizations ^a19cf8
Why Core Values?
We feel a lack of purpose that is more prevalent than it has ever been in history. The causes behind this are numerous. Some are the following: convenience, the hijacking of the discomfort that pushes us to action (Cal Newport has a lot to say about this), societal shifts regarding gender, the uprising of solitude, the lack of people’s capability for focus, religion slowly dying off, & the leaving behind of tradition.
As it happens, most of these things are out of our control, so we must do what we can in the realm of what is possible to us & to us only. There is little use in worrying about external troubles. Once we do begin to focus on that which we can control, we may find that the possibility for option is endless. What can we do with infinity? A lot… or a little. We need to define some guiding limits to allow us to proceed without making reckless decision—or indecision, which at times can be much worse.
What we’re looking for here is a meaningful life. When you don’t have any guiding principles for your decision-making, you drift along your life. You could say—& quite confidently, too, without being wrong—that these two are complementary. When you do not have clarity on your core values, your life is devoid of purpose, happiness, & inspiration. So, let us go ahead & set some boundaries that will enable prosperous living, shall we? ^375e6e
Defining Values
We need to define some values that go beyond the illusory separation between work & life. You might have your own circumstances that require you to have separate values for both, but I don’t care. Be free & do what works for you.
“[…] if you haven’t clearly defined your values, you can end up making choices that conflict with them. And when your actions conflict with your values, the result is unhappiness & frustration.” — Brett McKay, 30 Days to a Better Man
Ask yourself the following question.
- “What’s truly important to me in my life?” ^3efc4a
- Taking impeccable care of myself by denying bad habits & actions
- Sky-high confidence
- Living in focus
- Life-long education
- Meaningful connections with others
Remaining Faithful to Your Values
Now that they have been thought of & explicitly states, you are likelier to stand firm on them when making decisions. Review them often & think of what is at stake if you don’t center your decision-making around them. Of course, always remember that it doesn’t end in your action. Your thoughts are very important in this context & should be tended to as well! See The Power of Thought for a nice poem signaling this exact point.