Improve your life

What do you value?

In our lives we do all sorts of things. And if you’re like most people, you’re not doing 100% of "The Right Things", 100% of the time. Well, we all get off track from time to time… that’s life! But its how – and, quite frankly if – we get back on track that separates the winners from the losers.

So how do we know if we’re on track?

Well, the interesting thing is – only you can tell if you're on track or not. Are you on the right track? Before you answer, let me ask a clarifying question. Is your life in synch with your values?

Values are really neat things. They are usually defined for you by your family and communities. But you can also shape them yourself. And the best part is, you get the final say in what values you keep and what values you push aside. Because the thing is – your values help define who you are at the core of your very being. We get along with people because they share similar values to us – and also, the converse is true. The good news is, once you realize and accept this, its all the easier for you to not get too caught up with someone you disagree with. You simply realize they have different values than you, acknowledge it and move on. It really is that simple. But there is a small catch. You have to have a clear idea – a clear vision – of what your values are. …or what you want them to be.

Without this clear vision, all you have are ideas.

So what are your values? Think on this question. If you’re having difficulty, choose a value and try it on for size. Does it feel right? Where does it sit in the priority of your other values?

See, when you know what your values are, and you can list off the top 5, then you can choose goals that are in line with those values. Everything just seems to fit into place better. Have you ever tried to set a goal that you just couldn’t move towards? Chances are, you were either deathly afraid of succeeding in that goal – or it didn’t match your values. Values tend to provide you with the “Why” of why you’re doing something. They also make a great reference point for you on those days when you’ve hit the wall for the 100th time and you’re wondering why you keep doing what you’re doing!

So take some time, and think about your values. Think about what makes you tick. Once you have a good blueprint, start looking at the parts of your life that aren’t quite right. Chances are, they don’t quite fit with your values. The good news is, you can alter that part of your life to fit your values, or ditch it altogether. Its up to you.

What are your values? What are you about?

Challenge yourself to find out!

posted by Mark @ 12:28 AM