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When you are making a decision or facing a change in your life, be sure you don't leave out one critical factor - knowing your core values.
If you look closely at the messages in each of my previous articles, they are about making changes based on:
identifying what your core skills and qualities are so you can continue to make effective and sustainable changes in your life; being crystal-clear on what you want and the specific steps you can take that will get you there; resisting resistance, building resilience, and having someone to support you in making the changes you want to make; setting your goals based on the life experiences you want or need to be happy; being the change you want to see in the world, right now, in the present moment.
There's one critical factor - the missing link - that most people forget about when setting their goals.
That is: getting your personal values clear in your mind. For example, when I focus on the changes or decisions I need to make, I rely on four of my core personal values:
Contribution (to the wellbeing and success of others); connection (through writing, coaching and speaking to individuals and groups); creativity (constantly seeking new ideas and ways of doing things); and empowerment: of myself, my children, others around me, the community I live in, and my clients.
These values underpin choices I make and opportunities I seek out, so that I do what I love, in a place I love, for a purpose I love. Any changes (or decisions) I need to make are much easier when based on my authentic values.
What are values?
Values are who we are. Not who we would like to be. Not who we think we should be.
How can you identify your values?
Think of a moment when life was especially rewarding. It's important that the time frame be quite limited - as in ‘a moment' - or there will be too much in your experience to pinpoint specific values. Ask yourself:
What was happening?
Who was present and what was going on?
What were the values that were being honoured in that moment?
Test words to see what values were most important, and you will know when the value word rings true. Write a list of words and narrow them to four or five core values.
Apply these values across different segments of your life: work, finances, relationship, family and friends, your environment, spirituality, fun and recreation. Are these values showing up, or are they being compromised? What small change can you make to ensure that your core values - who you are in your life right now - are being respected and valued in all parts of your life?
When we honour our values on a regular and consistent basis, our life is fulfilling and balanced. You can bring your values into your daily life, in the good times and the difficult times also.
If you are ready to define your goals or make some empowering changes in your life, visit my website www.TeAraPathwaysLifeCoaching.co.nz and sign up for a FREE Coaching Strategy Session. It will be your gift to your self and your future.
Kia māia ~ Aspire courageously