Have you done a values audit?
It’s time for some self-reflection and an audit of your values.
Your values are important and when you have crystal clear clarity on them it helps your life in many ways including:
- Decision making
- How you generally feel about your life
- How balanced you feel
- Your relationships.
Here's some things to consider:
Values are different for everyone. What you highly value might not be the same for someone else as we all have different life paths and experiences that determine our values. An example of this is someone who values honesty highly may find it offensive and / or disappointing when they catch people lying or being dishonest. Life is always going to show contrast because we live in a world of polarities e.g. feminine / masculine, and life / death and this is to help us grow and get clear on what we want and don’t want. If others don’t agree with your values or don’t put as much emphasis on them as you do, be willing to accept and be at peace with those who disagree or don’t act in the same way as you do.
Values need to be re-assessed. As you move through different stages of your life, your values will change. In the earlier part of your life, you may have taken on your parent’s values rather than your own. As you move away from the conditioning of your parents, you can explore more of your own values and how you want to lead your life. Through different life stages such as becoming a parent or through career phases your values may change.
How values help you...
You will normally feel more optimistic about life and more balanced when you are living a life aligned with your values.
When you are feeling imbalanced, you can check in on how aligned with your values you are. For example, you may have found a job that you really enjoy but due to the hours it's affecting your health as you’re not fitting in your exercise. You may value your wellbeing and exercise routine higher than your job.
Also, often when you are annoyed or frustrated in your relationships it’s a sign that what you value is different from what others value and in these instances it’s important to share your top values and discuss your boundaries with those closest to you. Don’t fall into the trap of assuming that people know what you value and what your needs are, communicate this to others. Often when your expectations are not being met by others close to you, there’s an opportunity for growth here and something for you to heal within you.
Values also help you make decisions in your life from everyday smaller choices all the way through to the bigger ones. An example might be that you wanted to make a start on a client report but your partner wants to have some quality time with you. Knowing your values helps you navigate life with more ease and empowers you to say ‘no’ when you need to. Many people find it challenging to say ‘no’ so being true to you and your values may support this.
Defining your values
Write down what your values are in each quadrant of your life:
- Spirituality and Personal Growth
- Health and Wellbeing
- Finances
- Career / Business
- Relationships.
Examples may include:
- Truth seeking and compassion in spirituality and personal growth
- Consistency and discipline in health and wellbeing
- Security and generosity in finances
- Fairness and service in career / business
- Honesty and dependability in relationships.
Your values audit
Once you have your list, you can then call this your Values Important to Me list. You can rank them in order of importance. You can see if you value one area of your life higher too.
If you find you often put your work ahead of other areas of your life because you are valuing that area more, I encourage you to find something else to anchor you as well. Your family and relationships provide connections to a meaningful life.
To complete your audit, you can see if there are gaps / misalignments occurring between your values and your life and explore why this is happening. Allow the insights that come through to you.
So have fun exploring and aligning with your values and where you are in your life stage now.
When you have a clear sense of purpose, an explanation for your existence and you have guidance to help lead you through your daily struggles, your fears and apprehensions will dissolve and life takes on greater meaning, so I encourage you to go find out your Life Purpose today by clicking here.
Here's to living your best life!
Melissa Taylor
Future Transcendence Leadership Mentor
