You probably have been asked this question either during an interview session or while conversing with your people; "What are your values?". As simple as this question may sound, quite a number of people don't answer this question correctly. This question is often asked to discern the authenticity and alignment of individuals with organizational or personal goals. However, the challenge lies not just in having values but in truly understanding and articulating them. Let's explore the significance of understanding your values, their impact and practical steps to identify your core values.
Understanding your values guides your decision-making. Your values serve as a compass that guides you through the complex terrain of decision-making. When faced with choices, knowing your values helps you make decisions that are in harmony with your authentic self. This alignment brings clarity and purpose to your actions.
It helps you to be authentic. Understanding and living by your values allows you to be authentic. It creates a sense of unity between your beliefs and actions, leading to increased satisfaction and fulfilment in various aspects of life. It brings a deep sense of purpose and contentment.
It helps you to be consistent in your actions. Values provide a stable foundation for your behaviour. When your actions align with your values, you project consistency, which is crucial for building trust and credibility, both with yourself and those around you. Consistency in actions reflects a strong sense of integrity.
How to Identify Your Top Values:
Reflect on Your Experiences: Look back on key moments in your life, both positive and negative. Identify the values that were at play during those times. What made you feel fulfilled, proud, or dissatisfied? These reflections can offer insights into your core values.
Prioritize Your Values: Create a list of potential values and prioritize them based on their importance to you. Consider which values are non-negotiable and fundamental to your identity. This exercise helps you identify the core values that truly define you.
Explore Different Areas of Life: Recognize that values may differ across various aspects of life, such as relationships, career, personal growth, and community involvement. Reflect on your values in each of these areas to gain a comprehensive understanding of your priorities.
Seek Feedback from Others: Sometimes, others may see aspects of our values that we overlook. Seek feedback from friends, family, or colleagues. Their observations can provide valuable insights into your values and how they manifest in your behaviour.
Take the time to reflect, prioritize, and understand your values, and embark on a journey of self-discovery that will positively impact every aspect of your life.
Kind Regards,
Olamiji Akeredolu.