Your personal values dictate how you act, react, respond to, and handle life situations that come your way. This is because your personal beliefs help you to navigate what elements of life are important and worthy of your time.
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Personal Values and Priorities
The values that you hold near and dear to your heart are based upon your priorities. Values are not the goal, a system, an idea, or a program that can change just by snapping your fingers. Personal values are a deep and internal treasure trove.
Your values are a significant motivator that will make you stand still and do nothing, rush headlong into a new adventure with no hesitation, or send you back to a place where you analyze, reflect upon, and decide if it’s really something that you want to do.
For example, your personal values always show up at a time when a decision needs to be made. So, when a group of friends playfully torment you to have just one alcoholic beverage before you head off to a meeting at your church, you may stay true to your meeting commitment because of your values. “Just one drink won’t hurt you,” they taunt. But your value system kicks in and you say, “No, thanks. You go ahead, and I’ll catch up with you this weekend.”
Sometimes it might feel like it’s the choice between good and evil. However, that’s not always the case. Perhaps you have low self-esteem. Then, you may believe you do not have the space to resist. In other words, for some, personal values are very closely related to a sense of self-esteem and self-worth.
Have Your Personal Values Shaped Your Life?
Maybe you’ve never sat down and written a list of what you value most. Or asked yourself how you would react to a given situation. But one thing is clear: you will be hard-pressed to take any action that goes against your values unless you’re in a life-and-death situation.
Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re not sure about how your values shape your life.
1. If you were offered a job that you knew you’d hate every single day but the pay was four times what you are currently making, would you take the job?
2. If you’re the type of individual who is compassionate and filled with mercy for other people who have less than you do, would you walk on by when you see someone stealing money from a homeless person on the street?
3. If you were raised in a home growing up where everything was painstakingly neat, tidy, spotless, and carefully organized, you are likely comfortable in clean space. Would you cheerfully live with someone who is messy and dirty?
How You Make Decisions
Clearly, your personal values do impact and shape your life in a variety of situations. You may be able to get away with one tiny incident where your values were compromised, but most likely, your personal values will always color your life and everything you do.
Do you struggle with identifying your personal values? Then set up a quick phone session with Kendall. Talking through problems paves a path to solutions.
Kendall Van Blarcom is a senior helping seniors. Contact Van Blarcom Consulting today for help with your personal problems. Or, reach out to provide support for an older adult in your life.
