Your Values and Why You Should Care

[highlight]The one thing that I have come to realize about life is that it is always changing. [/highlight]

Once upon a time, not too long ago, the only thing I cared about was fruit roll ups. You could offer me $100 for a box, and I would not give them up. I became so obsessed that if a stanger pulled up in a van and offer me a fruit roll up in exchange for a ride along, I would take the deal and assume that they were stupid for offering such a great opportunity.

Values change. Do I spend every moment now waiting for a fruit roll up? Hell no. I am an adult. Even though I love fruit roll ups, I see more value in my family, health, and happiness.

[pullquote-left]No one has the same values. [/pullquote-left]Face it, the biggest downfall of the English language is that even a simple word like the word “family” has a different connotation to every person. When someone tells you that they share the value of family, the only thing they share in common with you is a general definition of “family” from the English dictionary. In your version of family, you know that your son Tommy has MS, Grandpa has been very ill in the past year, and you work far too many hours to spend adequate time with your “family”.

I don’t believe in the tests that many people give out that help you understand what your values are. All too often these tests ask you to answer questions that will help you better define your values, but they never dive deep enough to help understand what each prescribed value means to you.

Sure I could give you a list of values, and I am sure I could quiz you and find out what are your main priorities. In the end, the reader knows who they are as a person, and they would try to incorporate those values into their daily life.

I am not going to do that.

Everyone has values. I want to examine your values, and dig deeper into the true meaning of the values you embrace.

Step 1: Write down the people you cannot live without.

Every person I have worked with has a value that ties into family or friendships. There is always someone in your life that you truly appreciate. This is your first value.

Step 2: If you could only choose three things to do this week ,outside of time with family and friends, what would they be?

Here are some examples:

Go to the gym.

Read a book.

Go to church.

Go for a run.

Work on your business.

After you have decided what these three things are, think about what they say about you. Do you value health? Do you value self improvement? Do you value spirituality?

[highlight]Thinking about your life, and understanding what you’re passionate about is the number one key to understanding your values.[/highlight]

Step 3: Write down your four values.

The first value has to do with relationships, family, or friends.

The next three come from step two.

Write or think about all four values and what makes them important in your life. When someone asks you what your values are, never just give them 4 words. Give them the reason behind your values. Everyone’s reason is different. For example, you may value health because your family has a history of heart attacks, and you want to live a long life.

Values are about the thought behind them, and what makes them special to you.

Next time you are having an off day, think about the values you just came up with. You are a special person, and your unique values set you apart from the rest of the world. Remember that.

Dave