What are your core values?
Because once you're clear on your values, you'll be able to plan a life that feels aligned, exciting and purposeful. Here's an exercise to try...
When I was studying journalism, my tutor told us that when starting out as a journalist, you need to consider where you sit, morally.
Of course, all journalism is about telling an honest story about a real-life person or event.
But some journalists are open to less orthodox – or morally questionable – methods for drawing out a story.
So what my tutor was really saying was: get clear on your values before you set out - and try to stick to them.
In time, this really made sense to me.
And now, in business, I’m clear on where my values lie and what I’m willing - and not willing - to put up with and accept.
I also have personal values that I do my best to honour. I’ll tell you about one of them shortly.
But now, you and your values
You may have done values exercises before, you may not. Either is fine. If you have, it’s worth repeating this exercise quite regularly, as your values may change over time.
As our lives shift and change, sometimes the things that matter most to us do, too.
Also, you might find that your values stay the same, but you are no longer honouring them.
So, for this exercise, I’ve put together a list of values (see below).
These are words about ways of being and behaving.
It’s worth reading – well, skimming – through all these words and seeing which jump out at you.
Which make you think: “Yes , that matters so much to me!” Or: “I’d like to be more like that.”
Every time you see one of those words, write it down.
Note as many as you like that matter to you.
Your list may be long or short. Either is fine.
We’re all different, we have varying experiences and we’re all at different places on this journey of life.
List of values
Once you have your list of all the values that resonated, see if you can narrow it down to your top three.
Now, look at those three values.
How are you living them, if you are?
In what ways are you honouring these values?
I’ll give you an example.
One of my top values is “comfort”. I like taking risks, so this word does not signify a comfort zone, but more physical comfort – such as my clothes – and boundaries.
I will take a risk in business, but I will not – whenever possible (we all trip up occasionally) – let people push me into doing something that just isn’t right, for me or someone I care for.
In terms of comfort with clothes, I don’t wear belts, ever, or dangly jewellery that might catch. I don’t wear tight jeans or any clothes that feel ‘fussy’.
And I prioritise really soft bedsheets, an amazing memory foam pillow and a calm bedroom.
In business, comfort might relate to pricing and never charging more than I think a product or service is worth. Or that I’d pay.
So that’s one of my values – probably the top one – and some ways that I honour it.
Sometimes it’s really easy to see what we need to do in order to honour our values and be true to ourselves, while at other times we have to think a little creatively about how to honour them. So here are some questions for you to ponder, about your values:
• How are you honouring your top three values?
• If you’re not, why not: what’s getting in the way?
• Could you work to remove that barrier?
• What parts of your life do these values impact?
• How could you work your values into your home and working life even more?
• How would it feel, if you did that?
• What one change can you make, today, to honour your values even more?
Annie x
Would you like more from me?
This is an exercise from my latest book, Raise your SQ: How the power of spiritual intelligence can change your life in seven days, you can pre-order your copy now.
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Oh, this is so interesting. I've printed the list to go over later but one that jumps out for me immediately is 'ease'
If something isn't easeful, then I know I'll instinctively resist it.
I'm looking forward to musing more on this later.
How timely! I'm running a session for PlusX Innovation tomorrow on 'building a business aligned with your values' and I plan on turning some of the content into an SS article. Watch this space! I find it all fascinating, there is so much to it when you start looking into the various theories and methods. I think you're right though, it has to be aligned with both your personal *and* business values otherwise, it's never going to be sustainable. I realised only recently that one of the biggest blockers I have experienced lately is because one of the businesses I run is no longer aligned with my highest priority value and so some big changes are coming! I already feel lighter!