google-site-verification: google4283fb30fde0af74.html
top of page

Values

Part I:  Description

What are Values?

  • Definition: Values are the fundamental beliefs, principles, or standards that guide our decisions, shape our priorities, and give meaning to our lives. They are our internal compass for what we consider important and worthwhile.


Types of Values:

  • Personal Values: Core beliefs that define your character and individuality (e.g., honesty, compassion, adventure).

  • Family Values: Shared principles within a family system, passed down through generations (e.g., faith, education, respect).

  • Cultural Values: Beliefs and standards held by a larger community or society (e.g., individualism, collectivism, social justice).

  • Work Values: Guiding principles within your professional life (e.g., innovation, collaboration, integrity).


Why Recognizing Your Values Matters

  • Decision Making: Aligning choices with your values leads to greater satisfaction and fewer regrets.

  • Self-Understanding: Values offer insights into your motivations and the deeper "why" behind your actions.

  • Inner Conflict: Feeling unsettled often stems from a misalignment between values and current behaviors.

  • Goal Setting: Values-driven goals have greater intrinsic motivation and a higher chance of success.

  • Relationship Building: Shared values create a strong foundation for friendships, partnerships, and communities.

Part II:  Common Questions

1. How do I figure out my own values?

Answer:  There are several ways to identify your core values:

  • Reflection: Think about times you felt most proud, fulfilled, or energized. What principles were in play?

  • Stories: Consider the lessons learned from admired people or influential experiences in your life.

  • "Wouldn't Do" List: Think of actions you'd firmly refuse to do – this reveals what you value.

  • Values Exercises: Many online resources offer guided exercises to identify your top values.


2. What's the difference between values and goals?

Answer: While connected, they have distinct meanings:

  • Values: Underlying beliefs about what's important (honesty, creativity, family). They're the WHY.

  • Goals: Specific things you want to achieve (get a promotion, run a marathon). They're the WHAT.

  • The Link: Values-driven goals are more intrinsically motivating and fulfilling than goals lacking that foundation.


3. Can a person have too many values?

Answer: While having many interests is great, prioritizing your core values is vital:

  • Decision Paralysis: Trying to honor too many values equally can hinder decision-making

  • Dilution: Focus is key. A few deeply-held values have greater steering power than a long, vague list.

  • Evolving List: It's okay for your top values to shift over time, reflect where you are at in life.


4. What if my values conflict with someone else's?

Answer: Value conflicts are common. Here's how to navigate them:

  • Self-Awareness: Know which of your values are non-negotiable vs. where you have some flexibility.

  • Open Communication: Respectfully explain your values and why they matter to you.

  • Seek Understanding: Listen to the other person's perspective, even if you disagree.

  • Solutions Mindset: Look for compromises or ways to coexist despite differences. If the values clash is fundamental, you may need to limit the relationship.


5. How can I live more in line with my values?

Answer: Turn values from ideals into actions:

  • Small, Daily Choices: Incorporate your values into even minor decisions throughout the day.

  • Audit Your Life: Are your time, money, and commitments actually reflecting your stated values?

  • Challenge Comfort Zone: Growth often happens by taking action aligned with your values, even when scary.

  • Reassess Periodically: Values are a journey, not a destination. Regularly check in with yourself for needed course corrections.

Part III:  Additional Resources

Books about Values

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey:

  • A classic on personal effectiveness. Habit 2 focuses on starting with a clear vision based on your values.


"Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans:  

  • While focusing on life design more broadly, the book incorporates values-identification exercises for greater fulfillment and purpose.


"Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown: 

  • Explores vulnerability, shame, and why living aligned with your values - even when difficult - is the path to a wholehearted life.


Online Articles and Websites about Values

  • MindTools: Search for "Identifying Your Values" (https://www.mindtools.com/): Practical resources and tools for values identification, decision-making based on your values, and resolving value conflicts.

  • James Clear: Search for "Values" (https://jamesclear.com/): The author of "Atomic Habits" often writes about how values drive effective goal setting and behavior change.

  • PositivePsychology.com: Search for "Values" (https://positivepsychology.com/): Offers research-based articles on the role of values in well-being, relationships, and creating meaning.


Other Resources about Values

  • Values Cards:  Search for "personal values card sort." Decks of cards with different values are used to rank and prioritize what matters most to you.

  • Values-Based Worksheets:  Many therapy or coaching websites offer downloadable worksheets with guided exercises for reflecting on and clarifying your values.

  • Relevant Podcasts: Look for podcasts on personal development, career design, or relationships. Episodes often discuss identifying values and their role in creating a fulfilling life.

  • Therapy or Coaching:  If you want personalized support in examining your values, identifying conflicts, or building a more values-driven life, a therapist or coach can be extremely helpful.


Part IV:  Disclaimer

These results were highly selected, curated, and edited by The Nexus Inititiative. To make this amount of complimentary content available at a cost-effective level for our site visitors and clients, we have to rely on, and use, resources like Google Gemini and other similar services.

bottom of page