Values are a word that gets banded around a lot in today’s world. Most businesses clearly share their values on their websites and on their walls and many have taken the time to really embed them into their way of operating at work from the job advert, to induction, within the strategic and operational plan to performance reviews. Yet as a coach supporting individuals to step into their Inner Leader, it amazes me how little people are aware of their own personal values.
Being aware of your values is the starting point to change, understanding what they actually mean and how they can positively support you is the next step to living your values. When we make decisions based on our core values our head, heart and gut are in full alignment and we experience not only joy but peace, knowing in our bones that it was right. Times when we listen to our gremlin voice or ignore our core values, we can often feel uneasy, unconfident or just unsure that we’ve made the right decision. So we know – our values are our internal barometer for right and wrong, they are our moral compass and guide to personal fulfilment.
I’d like some of that I hear you say! Anyone can find their core values, what’s really at the heart of who they are. Being a Co-Active Coach I learnt that values don’t come from a page where you pick what you think you are or should be like, but instead, they come from experiences in your life that show up as patterns of behaviour and interests.
To find your values:
1. Get a large blank sheet of paper and allow yourself 15 minutes of non-interrupted me-time.
2. Think about Peak Moments in your life, times when you have been really energised and motivated, times when you felt happy, proud and really yourself.
3. Now think of Low Moments when you were angry, upset, frustrated or situations when you weren’t feeling comfortable.
4. Now think of what must-haves you need in your life to feel fulfilled. E.g. opportunities to be creative, make a difference or be with family.
5. Finally think back to times when you’ve had to make Critical Decisions, that have forced you to really think what’s important for you and based on what.
6. It’s time to look for key words, patterns that are emerging from the page. Circle these.
7. Lastly, take your circled words or phrases and create a list. Aim for no more than 10 and no less than 5. In front of you are a list of your values.
Living your values takes time and focus. Having a list of values is just that, a list, until you start to ask yourself what do they really mean, how would you know you are living them or not living them, or what behaviour and attitude you would like demonstrated by these values?
Needing any help with uncovering your values? Then get in touch and we can support you to mine and find meaning for your values.
