Let’s take the value of “family” as an example. Is the verb you want to attach “provide for my family”? This could mean financially, it could be being present. What if we took the word family and turned it into a sentence? Something like:
“I want to ensure that my wife and daughter will always have a comfortable home; to earn enough money to take care of their needs and provide the best education possible for my daughter; and to be physically and emotionally present, kind, generous, open, and compassionate.”
Now, not only so I know what’s important, but I also know how that information will guide my decisions and actions. Now if I’m presented with an opportunity to invest my time or attention or money in something, I can ask:
Will this move me closer to ensuring a comfortable home for my wife and daughter….? If yes, I’m in. If no, I’m out. And if I’m weighing two options, I can choose the one that gets me closest. It becomes useful in guiding my everyday decisions and actions.
Step 1: Write down your basic values.
Make your list as long as you like. Pure stream-of-consciousness. Do not do any editing yet.
Step 2: Now circle the five values you feel most strongly about.
Go with your gut. This is not about what you wish your answers were, or what you want others to think; it’s about what they truly are.
Step 3: Look at each of your top five values, and write them into a sentence that gives them context and definition.
Be sure to include a verb. Spend a little time refining these sentences. Then, on a new piece of paper, write all five down.
Step 4: Place that piece of paper somewhere you can see it or reference it whenever you want.
As opportunities come your way throughout the day, ask yourself, “Does saying yes move me closer to what I hold most dear?” If the answer is no, whether it’s checking your e-mail every 10 minutes or taking a new job, just say no. And start to say yes to only what genuinely matters most to you.
No comments:
Post a Comment