Finding Your Life Compass: Navigating Your Journey with Personal Values
Hey there, fellow self-improvement trailblazers! Today, we’re diving deep into a significant and crucial part of your fulfillment: finding your personal values as a compass to steer your life. So, where are you right now on your life’s journey? Are you content with where you stand, or is there a lingering feeling that things could be better? No matter where you are, the decisions you’ve made in the past have played a role in getting you here. But here’s the empowering part: it’s entirely up to you to shape your future.
Let’s explore the powerful concept of personal values and how they can serve as your guiding device on this thrilling adventure we call life.
Start with The End in Mind
In our journey through life, it’s essential to start with the end in mind, just like Simon Sinek suggests in his book “Start with Why” and Stephen Covey’s first habit of highly effective people, “Start with the End in Mind.” To make the right decisions, we must first understand our personal values and goals. These values may (and should!) change as we grow and evolve, and that’s perfectly okay.
Values vs. Goals
Consider the example of a young athlete striving to make the Olympic team. For her, every decision aligns with her goal – rigorous training, a strict diet, and prioritizing sleep. Her focus is unwavering, but it’s temporary. After the Olympics, she’ll need to reassess her values and goals.
Now, contrast that with a mid-forties Marketing Manager juggling a career and a family. His values revolve around family, excelling at work, and maintaining his physical fitness. These values guide his decisions, making it clear that family is his top priority.
Finding Your Own Strategy
Discovering your life strategy is an ongoing process that may require adjustment over time. Start by asking yourself: Are you currently chasing a significant life goal, or are you striving for balance across various aspects of life? Your answer will help determine whether a goal-oriented or values-based approach is right for you.
Establishing Your Values
If you lean towards a values-based strategy, the challenging part is identifying and prioritizing your values. This may involve some uncomfortable introspection. Are you genuinely prioritizing what matters most to you? Create a list of two to four core values and rank them. When tough decisions arise, refer to these values to guide your choices.
Important People First, ALWAYS
While values serve as a compass, remember that important people should always come first. There may be times when a higher-priority value temporarily takes a backseat to a pressing need from a loved one. Values provide guidance but are not inflexible laws.
What Would the Person You Want to Be Do in This Situation?
To make decisions easier, ask yourself, “What would the person I want to be do in this situation?” This powerful question can help you align your choices with your values. Whether it’s choosing a healthy meal over takeout or stepping up in an emergency, it reminds you of your higher aspirations.
Final Thoughts
Living by your values is both challenging and rewarding. Take the time to establish your personal values and use them as a life compass when faced with difficult decisions. By consistently taking actions aligned with the person you want to become, you’ll not only feel proud of yourself but also inch closer to the life you want to live. And isn’t that the ultimate goal?
