Values are the core beliefs which color how we view the world, interact with others, and approach our daily life. They represent what’s truly important to us. They are so key, I’m calling them a cornerstone to building your sustainable success. And just like a great cathedral needs a strong foundation to soar to great heights, your success, your happiness depends on how well you set your own foundation.

When we have a clear understanding of our values, we’re then able to make decisions confident we’re building a career, a life, which truly expresses who we are. A well-built foundation allows us to serve others from a place of strength, creating more meaningful impact in our families and communities.

If we’re vague and tenuous about our values, it’s much easier to be pulled into decisions which might seems OK at first, but soon buckle as we face stress and tension.

 

My Values Moment

One of the big A-Ha moments in my career transition is an interesting real-world example of how values can help us make better decisions. When I was starting to contemplate a career change, I spent quite a bit of time talking with people who were doing work I was considering. They were all so gracious with their time and information – it really was an amazing way to explore options. 

This particular conversation was focused on how this industry leader went about growing her business. I was so excited to hear her approach! I really admired her speaking and training circuit, seemingly maintaining a full calendar and client roster. But as she described her strategy and tactics, I felt myself cringe and shrink. She wasn’t doing anything wrong or unethical by any means.

At first I saw my negative reaction meant my personality didn’t match up to what was needed to succeed. Maybe I should be more assertive and forward in my approach. Maybe I need to change how I interact with people and operate my business. I mean, I was REALLY doubting my way of doing things. She was ‘successful’ and I was not. Here was her game plan right in front of me just waiting for me to implement it and I couldn’t even consider it?

But then, I got another thought in my head: if this is what it takes to do business in this industry and create her type of business, maybe I don’t WANT to that type of business or be in that industry. 

This moment is one I don’t think I’ll ever forget. It was a moment of clarity which rang out like church bells at Noon.

I finally saw there was something about me which NEEDS to be expressed in how I do my work and interact with people.

I’m not an assertive person. I’m not forward-leaning. I’m more concerned about kindness and curiosity. Assertiveness leaves only just the tiniest bit of room for kindness or curiosity.

And now I know my kindness and curiosity are values. They inform just about everything I do and how I see the world and interact with people. (BTW: My other top values are love, zest and gratitude.)

And now I’m in an industry where I can freely express my values and by doing so, I’m resonating with people and companies who are aligned with my values. 

Clarifying Your Values

If you’re feeling tension in your work, it might be a great time to reflect on your values, how you’re able to express them (or not) and how they might align with the environment you’re working in. Maybe your employer, or your client base, or your industry is just not the right place or people for you.

One of my favorite tools for understanding our values is the survey from VIA Character Institute. They call them “strengths”, but in the interest of keeping these separate from the Clifton StrengthsFinder, I call them values. I’ll discuss the differences in an upcoming article.

Once you have a list of your top values, examine how they fit into your career, your daily work:

  • When was the last time you felt like you were able to use/express your values at your job?
  • When was the last time you felt your values were disregarded or squashed?
  • When you feel out of alignment with your values, how does that show up for you?
  • What could you do this week, month and/or year to more closely align you values to your work/career/business?