Know Your Values: A Practical Guide

Take control of your life and journey to your truest colours

Ever feel like you're on autopilot, merely surviving not truly living?

You're not alone.

It is easy to conform to societal norms that box us in and limit us. It is what most of us were taught from a very young age.

Another of the amazing things about getting older I have found, is less tolerance for bullsh*t.

There is a lot of nonsense going on in our daily lives and societies at so many levels and it is very hard to unsee!  As Steve Jobs said; “Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you”.  It is SO true.  Nothing is as professional, or as perfect, or as adult as you think it should be.  You can choose to let that be an inspiring thing rather than a scary one *grin*

I know it is possible to achieve most things, perhaps not a gymnast at my age, ahem, but most things ARE possible.

I dare to dream. I believe in the magic of passion and truth and embarking on raw and imperfect quests to do more and do better.

Where do I recommend you start?

I believe a reason for this common drift happening is lack of connection with our core values, those radiant hues that define the spectrum of our authentic selves.

Why is this alignment crucial?

Because living in harmony with your values illuminates your life, your personal rainbow bright above your head. Each colour represents a value combination that is uniquely yours giving you purpose, direction, and fulfilment. 

Many of us haven't taken the time to identify or articulate our core values, fundamental principles that should guide our decisions and actions.

Many experts also advocate for values as a key step;

Simon Sinek shows us in his Golden Circle model how easy it is to lead with what we do and how we do it, but that many people and organisations aren’t as clear on their WHY;

Very few people or companies can clearly articulate WHY they do what they do. When Simon asks WHY, he’s not referring to making money—that’s a result. Your WHY is your purpose, cause, or belief. WHY does your company exist? WHY do you get out of bed every morning? And WHY should anyone care about the work you do?

I am hugely inspired by the fabulous people at the DO Lectures and DO book company.  One of the things I have recently learned about is the power of manifesto thinking, and I am working on my draft which I will share on here in the coming weeks or months no doubt;

“Only when we define the change we want to make, can we make that change happen. Our Manifestos share the lessons we have learned on our journey. They might just help you too.”

James Clear writes about clarity in Atomic Habits, and even has a really helpful list of values on his website that he recommends you pick a few from as you need something to prioritise, otherwise nothing is really a priority.

So, how *do* you uncover the colours of your spectrum?

Here’s a practical guide to discovering your values;

STEP 1 - REFLECT

• Peak Experiences: Recall moments brimming with happiness and engagement, what values were shining through these experiences?

• Frustrations and Triggers: Identify situations or behaviours that spark anger or resentment. These reactions often highlight where your values are being overshadowed.

• Role Models: Consider the qualities you admire in others. These admired traits are mirrors reflecting your own valued spectrum.

STEP 2 - EXPLORE

• Value Identification: Compile a list of potential values. Use online resources or simply brainstorm words that resonate with your soul’s colours, write down ALL that appeal.

• Prioritise Your Palette: Narrow your list to no more than 7 core values. These are the primary colours of your life’s spectrum.

Here was the process I went through, starting in January when reviewing my feelings about 2023.  I have today highlighted in rainbow colours the 6 I am focussing on for 2024; AUTHENTICITY, COMMITMENT, CREATIVITY, FOCUS, KINDNESS & POSITIVITY.

STEP 3 - INTEGRATE

• Review your daily life: Are your choices aligned with your values? If not, what adjustments can you make?

• Use your values for decision-making: When faced with a choice, ask yourself which option aligns best with your values.

• Goal Setting: Craft goals based on your values. This ensures your objectives enrich your life’s palette, contributing to an overarching sense of fulfilment.

Like many awesome things in life, identifying your values is a journey, not a destination.  A dynamic process of unveiling your true colours.

Your values may evolve over time, and that's okay.

The key is to stay connected to your inner compass and make choices that honour your authentic self.

By living in alignment with your vibrant values, you’ll discover greater clarity, purpose, and joy in life.

So, dare to embrace your spectrum and paint your journey with the true colours of your soul.

Embark on this radiant adventure of self-discovery and unlock the power of your own unique rainbow, your true north in living a life that’s authentically and brilliantly yours.

PS - I didn’t even ask ChatGPT for soundtrack ideas this time, I think this song was in my head at a fairly early stage;

PPS I want you to remember that committing to this journey of discovering your values isn’t just about self-improvement, it's about unlocking the very essence of who you are and can be.

It's about self agency and creativity. Turning every day into a canvas, painting it with the vibrant colours of your authentic self.

If this guide has sparked a curiosity, an inspiration, or even a moment of reflection, I invite you to share your thoughts, your stories, and your top values/colours with us.

Let's create a beautiful painting of values that reflects the beauty of our collective human experience. Together, let's dare to dream, to defy the conventional, and to dive into the depths of our souls.

Let's not just find our values; let's live them, breathe them, and let them guide us toward a life of purpose, passion, and joy. May they connect us and help us lift each other up xxx