Values

I have more reader questions today that I love so much! I have a tool to share that it was time to revisit, anyway, so this is perfect timing. While not directly related to my hip and pelvis story, this is an important piece of self-discovery and pushing for being my best self. I could not succeed on my journey without that element. This is an exercise for everyone today!

Here are the questions…

“By what standards do you judge yourself? Do they change? I suspect you are your strongest critic and most vocal ally, how does that factor into your answer?“

My answer is that I judge myself against my well-defined values. Some of these are unshakeable and never change, and others change over time.

I found a tool last year that helped me define them all concretely. Prior to using this tool, I knew what most of them were, but they were all jumbled together, no priority given, a glob of conglomerate rock.

This tool from The Minimalists helped me break them all apart, giving definition and context by which to check in with myself. When I have times that I feel off, I can review my list to see what I am missing. I can see if I am living within my integrity.

On the flip side, I also use this list to bolster my self and ideas – be my “most vocal ally”. For example, I could have continued to set aside the idea of being a NILMDTS photographer, but to do so would not be in line with my values I have defined. I can see it right in front of me. Therefore, GO DO THE THING! 

Here is the Tool:

How to Understand Your Values

David and I did this together last November and committed to redoing our lists every 6 months, so I just took the time to redo mine this morning. It is interesting to see where some of my values have changed!

The most marked change was the addition of “Contribution”. Do you remember my journal page where I wrote that I was afraid to actually put pen to paper for fear that someone might find it and see who I really am? Here I am six months later sharing my life vulnerably with the goal of contributing to the world in a positive way. This is now part of my Massively Transformative Purpose! WOW!

I’m very happy to have taken the time to re-evaluate my list today so thank you for asking these questions. Here is my new list:

Values – 5/7/2021

Foundational Values 

These are the unwavering principles by which I live my life.

• Health
• Integrity
• Honesty
• Gratitude
• Relationships
• Contribution
• Trust
• Freedom
• Communication
• Fortitude

Structural Values

AKA – Personal Values

• Adventure – On top of Stability, room to explore.
• Art – I am a creator. Art is integral to who I am.
• Character – living congruently with my values.
• Diligence – Working hard.
• Empathy – Trying on other’s perspectives for better understanding.
• Enough – Living well with what is appropriate.
• Fitness/Sport – Movement and personal achievement.
• Grace – Space to move within love.
• Growth – Along with learning, self-development.
• Humility – Knowing my place.
• Humor – Have a laugh!
• Leadership – Inspiring and leading others in unique ways, from within.
• Learning – Always!
• Patience – Breathe, give time.
• Persistence – Always leaning in, pushing forward.
• Perspective – Zooming out for the big picture.
• Quality – Intentional, mindful ownership.
• Resilience – Be bouncy,  keep going.
• Respect – Giving and receiving, earned.
• Solitude – Alone time.
• Stability – A solid ground on which to live.
• Value – Purpose.
• Variety – Sampling, trying new things.
• Vibrancy – Colorful life with colorful experiences.
• Vision – Along with perspective with focus on serving others.
• Vulnerability – Putting myself out fully there no matter the result.
• Wisdom – Learning lessons.

Surface Values

AKA – Minor Values

• Books
• Cars
• Clothes
• Comfort
• Entertainment
• Podcasts
• Technology

Imaginary Values

AKA – Obstacles

• Comparison
• Consumerism
• Expectations
• Internet
• Jealousy
• Judgment
• Negativity
• News
• Procrastination
• Rumination
• Skepticism
• Stories I’ve made up
• Technology

These are the standards by which I judge myself and hold myself accountable. They are mutable. They give me firm footing for both correcting course and for pushing myself to be my best.

I hope you will take the time to read the page, download the worksheet, and thoughtfully complete it for yourself. Bring someone along to do it with you and then share. Go Do IT! You may surprised at what you learn about yourself and your partner.

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