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Whether conscious or not, our values are what drive us. They impact your reactions to any number of situations. They guide how you move through life. How you prioritize your day is impacted by what yu value. You may not even be fully aware that it is a value you hold that makes you do and say what you do.
Knowing what yours are will help you make decisions that give your life a better sense of purpose and fulfillment and yes, calm. It can also help you identify what a type of career or self owned business you’d like. Rather than basing your business on a product or service, think about how it supports your value(s) and what you’re putting out into the world.
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I know when I am going against my values by feeling tense or uneasy. Every day throughout each day, each moment a choice is presented. No matter how big or small I feel uneasy when my choice goes against my main value.
Can values change over time?
Absolutely. Values from childhood that you were taught by others often change as a child enters adulthood and begins to experience more of the world, a more diverse group of people, higher education and the workplace.
We only know what we know. As more situations are introduced into our lives it gives us pause and possibly reconsider what matters to us. Maybe you don’t know what matters to you until something matters to you.
Values can change again with a life transition. You may hear of young couples marrying then growing apart when in fact it is just the process of growing and changing into a more mature adult, learning more of oneself and one or both are no longer compatible in their life views and goals.
Major illness can impact values.
What are examples of values?
Below is a list of over 200 values. As you glance over it you will quickly feel which ones resonate with you. I remember many years ago when I looked over a list like this. I felt many were very much part of who I am but upon further thought it was clear what my top three were.
There is likely a pattern in your life that displays clearly which values you live by. Freedom is #1 for me without question. Anything that negatively affects me feeling free is extremely challenging for me to have in my life.
Situations and people related to planning, commitment, structure or obligation gives me extreme anxiety so I know to avoid those circumstances. Think of the last time or two you felt off or uneasy and consider if it was because you heard, did, or said something against your values.
Is the work you do, the company you keep, the lifestyle you live support what’s important to you?
Try starting with ten then narrow it down to your top three. From there your #1 will be evident.
