Sorting & Living Values
Values are our compass in life, directing our thoughts, decisions, habits, and relationships. Who we are is determined by our words and actions, by our small daily choices accumulating. When we have a close intimacy with what we truly value, we are steered into choices that are better attuned with us… and thus, more likely to lead to fulfillment, serenity, connection, and success.
Here's a simple Values Assessment. Grap a pen and paper. Takes 15 minutes. #priceless
Click "1/Values" to begin.
1/Values
The above is a common assortment of potential values. The first step is to choose wisely from this list the values that are truly meaningful to you, those that resonate in an authentic way. Don't hesitate to create a value of your own if the 'just-right' word doesn't appear in the cloud. And, if a cloud of words feels a bit soupy to your brain, here's a list.The ones you choose should not be so-called "resumé" values, standards you ought to care about, principles your boss workshopped at the turn of last decade, or big cliché nouns atop your LinkedIn page.These are "eulogy" values: the deep, foundational principles that make you feel dignified and proud to consider as yours. Virtues you'll be remembered for in the long game of life.Go to "Sorting" for next instructions.
2/Sorting
1. Pick the five that best represent the deepest part of your interiority as an individual at this moment in your life. These resonate loud for you.2. From those top five, pick the one that is your topmost core value right now.3. From those five, reflect on which of the values need improving in your life: where are you not living up to your values?Go to "Action" for next instructions.
3/Action
When you have an initial sense of where you are not living up to your values, this is where the rubber meets the road.Character is the extent to which one puts prized principles into living practice.You value "courage" but you're hiding in your comfort zone in one domain of your life. You value "happiness" but are stuck in a relational rut that brings you gloom. You value "creativity" but your creative hobbies are gathering dust in the closet.This is how you begin living your values:Take a close look at your top five. Make a clear-eyed assessment of how you're showing up for these values. Note your assessment in writing. Where there's lack, fill in the gap with action plans.Enact the system, schedule it, track it. Reassess how you're living your values at a regular cadence.
4/Support
Living into the values that you hold dear is a lifelong practice. At key transition moments in our lives, leaning into our values is critical. Coaching can be supportive, even propulsive in this practice.Reach out if you'd like to learn more about my Integral® Coaching practice, and how it can support you in boldly and habitually living your truest values.
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