Valuing your Values
What’s Valuing? What are Values?
Valuing means keeping something in high regard, while values observe us in high regard.
Values are beliefs, principles and standards that guide your actions and decisions. The latter shapes your perception of the world and determines how you interact with others. They are an integral part of our identity and are deeply rooted in our culture, upbringing and lived experiences.
Valuing one’s values is actively and consciously living according to the principles and beliefs one holds dear. It is about recognising the importance of these values and making them a priority in one’s life. By valuing our values, we can live a more authentic and fulfilling life and positively impact the world around us.
How to value your values
The first step in valuing one’s values is to identify them. This may involve reflecting on what is important to you and what you stand for. It may also include exploring different cultures and perspectives to understand better different values and how they shape our lives. Once you clearly understand your values, you can begin to make them a priority in your lives.
One of the ways to value your values is to make them a part of your daily routine. You can do this by setting goals that align with your values and taking small, consistent steps towards achieving them. For example, if one of your values is to be more environmentally conscious, you can recycle, reduce energy consumption, and support eco-friendly products. By incorporating your values into your daily routine, we make them a part of our identity and a natural part of our lives.
Another way to value our values is to surround ourselves with people who share similar values. By building relationships with like-minded individuals, you can gain support, inspiration, and accountability for living according to your values. You can also create a community where our values are celebrated and supported.
It is also essential to be open-minded and willing to learn and grow. Sometimes, our values may be challenged, and we must be open to new perspectives and experiences that help refine and deepen our understanding of what we value. It is also necessary to be willing to change our values if they no longer align with our beliefs and principles.
Importance and types of values
Having good values is essential in going about our day-to-day life. One of the most important values a person can have is integrity. Integrity is the adherence to moral and ethical principles and the honesty and consistency in one’s actions. A person with integrity is trustworthy, reliable, and committed to doing what is right, even when no one is watching. They are guided by a strong sense of morality and are not swayed by temporary gains or temptations.
Being responsible is another great value to have in your arsenal. This value is about accountability for actions and taking ownership of your decisions. Responsible individuals understand that they are accountable for their well-being and that of others. They are dependable and can be counted on to follow through. They are completer-finishers. When they begin to work on something, they follow through on it. They also take responsibility for their mistakes, and most importantly, they learn from them.
The third value is respect. Respect is treating others with dignity and consideration; it is about recognising the essential worth and value of every individual you meet, regardless of where you meet them, how you meet them, their age, social class or dress style. People who respect others understand that everyone has the right to be treated with kindness and fairness. You are aware of the impact of your actions on others and strive to create a positive and inclusive environment.
Lastly, a value often swept under the carpet is gratitude. Gratitude is appreciating what you have and not just focusing on what you lack. People who value appreciation understand that they have much to be thankful for and are content with what they have. They can find joy in small things and appreciate the good in their lives. They are less likely to be worried by negative thoughts and feelings and are more likely to be happy and fulfilled.
Final Summary
Values are the bedrock of our character, and they shape the way we live our lives. They guide our decisions and actions and help us become the best version of ourselves; integrity, responsibility, respect, and gratitude are some of the most important values we should strive to embody in our daily lives. That can help us to build strong relationships, contribute to our society and create a more just and equitable world.
Valuing your values is about prioritising them and living according to them. It is about recognising the importance of these values and making them a part of your daily routine, surrounding yourself with like-minded people, being open to learning and growth, and being willing to make changes when necessary. By valuing your values, you can live a more authentic and fulfilling life and positively impact the world around you
Originally published on Jan 25, 2023.