Values
What is important to you? Are you clear on what matters most? If you are - awesome! If not, take a few moments to get clear by identifying your top values. Our values provide us with a foundation.
As we go through the year our decisions and actions should reflect our values. If you don’t know what your most important values are, then you are, at best, wasting time on things that don’t align with your values.
Below, you’ll find a listing and definition of some common values if you don’t find one of your values, you can use the blank spaces provided to name and define your own additions to the list. Place a checkmark next to your top 10 and then narrow the list to your top 5.
Once you’ve taken a few minutes to fill out the worksheet, carefully look over your top 5 values and consider how they align with your goals and plans for this upcoming year. Are you focusing on the right aspects of your life?
Purpose
Knowing our purpose, why we are here on this earth, is key to living a fulfilled life. When we don’t utilize our gifts and talents, we grow frustrated and feel unsatisfied. Knowing your purpose helps you find passion in your life and work. John C. Maxwell asks three questions to help you know your purpose and find your passion.
Answer them for yourself:
-What do you cry about?
-What do you sing about?
-What do you dream about?
Maybe you are struggling with identifying your gifts and talents. I recommend that you start by asking these two questions:
-What do others tell you that you do well?
-When do others come to you for help?
Aristotle said, “Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation.” Using your talents and gifts within your work may be a key focus for you in the new year. If you desire to learn more about your inherent strengths, you might consider taking the Strengths Assessment Finder offered by Gallup. I found that this assessment confirmed what I knew and helped me feel more confident in my choices.
Beginning the new year knowing your values and purpose will help you seize opportunities that align and help you live a more fulfilling life. Success is about how YOU define it. Paint that picture for yourself now.
Once you’ve painted the picture in your mind, take time to write it down. When you write down what your picture of success looks like, it will be a powerful reminder as you go through this year of what you’re aiming for.
Your values and purpose are the core of who you are. When you take time to clarify these areas, it’s easier to make decisions that align with your values and purpose. If you ever feel frustrated and confused, take a little time to come back to these personal growth exercises and go over your answers again to remember what truly matters in your life.
Your best year ever is well under way, so don’t forget to join me again tomorrow for Day 4 - Intentionality.