Are your values always right? Or, could you be holding fast to some values that are wrong? In my previous post, I provided a method for how you can identify your top values. But, what if you’re not sure if those are the things you should value? This post will identify two questions you should ask about your values.
Determining your values is important for a variety of reasons. Your values should serve as a road map for your life. Also, your values can serve as a compass to show if you’re on the right path.
In addition, your values can function like a mirror reflecting if your behavior resembles the image you’ve created of yourself.
Here is a quick exercise to help identify if your values are solid. Simply ask yourself these two questions:
- Do my values serve me in a positive way?
- Do my values serve others in a positive way?
If the answer to either of the two questions is ‘no’ for any of your values, you may want to rethink if that is a value you should hold on to. ALL of your values should serve both you AND others in a positive way.
If you’re not sure if a value is serving you in a positive manner, ask yourself if that value is leading to growth. If what you value is not leading to spiritual growth, physical improvement, relational growth, or financial growth, then it’s not serving you in a positive way.
If you’re not sure if your values are serving others in a positive way, ask the same question. Are your values helping others grow spiritually, physically, relationally, or financially? If not, your values are not serving others in a positive manner.
Remember, the quick way to identify your values is to pay attention to how you’re spending your time and your resources...examine your calendar and your checkbook. Whether we’re aware of it or not, we spend our time and money on things we value. Our actions don’t lie. Are you spending time on the things you value?
For example, if you say you value your health, is regular exercise something that’s on your weekly calendar. If you say you value your marriage relationship, are you intentionally investing the time needed for the two of you to grow closer?
Challenge yourself to sit down for 15 minutes and answer the two questions and see where it leads you. All progress starts with the truth. Be honest with yourself and make any changes that will set you up for an amazing and authentic life.