Know Your Values

I was thinking about how external factors come into play when we’re trying to define our personal values. How much do they cloud our ability to do so in a genuine way?

Values are traditionally defined as our principles, standards of behaviour and the core of what’s important in our lives.

Growing up, we might have had the pressure of family and friends shaping our values. Today, we have the added influence from strangers on the internet.

To get to the core of my personal values, I ask myself - if I couldn’t share what I’m up to with anyone (family, friends, peers, social media) would I still be doing/saying/practicing it? Would I spend my time and energy on this.

When I feel particularly lost or confused about my life trajectory (which happens to all of us from time to time), I find this exercise especially helpful for setting personal goals. It’s a great tool for self reflection; to get rid of the noise and get back to what’s real.

During this unusual time in our world’s history, it seems like slipping into mundane daily routines is all too familiar to me. But by defining and reflecting on my core values, I add meaning back into my day-to-day. Family, friendship, health and creativity are important parts of my life. So I ask myself then, what’s one thing that I can do today to nurture my values? It might just be the trick to a life well lived.