Your Values Are Your Compass

Our culture promotes the evaluation of success in terms of what we do, what we produce, and the economic power it generates. Our presence, the experience we create with others, how we contribute by way of our individual values, and the nature of living as a human “being” who shares respect, kindness, and empathy are too easily marginalized, minimized, and discarded.

Now is a beautiful time to give yourself space to breathe deeply and consider:

• What success means to you?
• How do you define it?
• How do you focus or act on it in accordance with your own values and beliefs?

Our many definitions of what it means to create and be a success is a process of simulation. Meaning it originates by way of what we’ve learned, what’s been modeled to us, or held up as most valuable within family beliefs and customs as well as work cultures, leadership styles, and performance standards. Our communities, social groups, and cultural conventions all contribute to these definitions of success and become key messages for our beliefs and even brands for group values, mores, standards, agreements, and philosophies. This is how we learn, simulate, and evolve. Now is an effective time to consider how your beliefs have shaped your values and decisions.

We seize an opportunity to ask or update “The Big Questions”. These questions can be applied to all areas of life. There is a “term” for this growth process in human development, it’s called differentiation. It happens more than once over the course of life if we are courageous enough to step back and ask “The Big” questions. Thoughtfully consider what’s valuable to your character. Commit to engaging with what is true and authentic for you.

Values serve as a compass, which may be even more essential to us now. During this critical time within our global community give yourself the space to ask:

• What are my values now?
• How have my values and beliefs changed?
• What are my new or revised beliefs?

These questions enrich self-awareness and expand trust. Demonstrating how your values can support your focus, attitude, and actions. They will serve you well in these uncertain times. Allow your values to be your compass.