We all have things we value. For some they know exactly what they value, others may think they value one thing but value another, still others think they do not really value much but even that they value. What we value says a lot of who we are. That is why it is important to know what you value.
Knowing what you value most is a simple comparison of what you say you value compared to what you actually value. What you say you value is just that, you make a list of things you want out of life. It is what you actually value that gives the most insight. To do that you look at what you put in to the most money, effort, and time, especially time. When you find the same items on both lists you know what you value and are working toward it. If you are like me however, you may not find many, or any same items on the lists. What I think I value is not lining up with what I actually work toward. For those whose values are aligned your next move is to keep going. For those of us who find values on our lists differing our next move can be difficult.
It is difficult not because it is a complicated process but difficult because it requires being honest with ourselves. What we think we value and what we actually value are not aligned and sometimes are opposites. If I think I value being kind and compassionate but find myself getting haughty with others (regardless of how they are with me) then am I truly kind and compassionate? If I think I value being a giving person with altruistic tendencies but find myself rarely giving back, rarely taking the time to self sacrifice can I truly call myself altruistic? Would the person who I think I am be ok with the person that I am? Or would that person kick my tail? Honest evaluation – one of the toughest things to do but necessary for a better life.
In that honest evaluation we may find ourselves in complete contradiction to who we say we are and what we value. It may be disheartening but there is good news – we can change. If we find ourselves not aligning with our supposed values then we can look at what to stop, what to continue, and what to start. If you want to be a giving person stop thinking only of yourself, continue wanting to be a giving person, and start looking at ways you can give back. If you want to be kind stop becoming haughty with others, continue the desire to be kind, and start looking for ways to be kind to all people (not just those who are kind to you). Start with one choice, one moment, one act. Those one moments will slowly add to another, then another, then another. Do this long enough and you will find your true value (in actions) will align with what you say you value – you will have the same items on both lists. And that will be awesome.
As we progress through life we need to take time to enjoy where we are, look forward to where we are going, set goals and work toward them, find and pursue our passions, and evaluate who we are. Knowing who we are is fundamental to that enjoyment, to the goals and passions. Without knowing who we are and what we value we cannot properly set our course in life. So let us take a few minutes and compare what we say we value to what we truly value (our actions) and look to align them. It is then we can find and pursue our true passions.
Attempt it. Chance it. Try it. Get to It!