I compared the relationship between time and value management in my previous post.
My main point in that post is that if you want to organize better your time and energy (and the tasks on your to-do list), one strategy is to first think about your values.
What is most important to you at this time in your life? Here are a few examples of values that came to mind as I wrote this post.
Authenticity, Ambition, Honesty, Intimacy, Physical health, Faith, Humility, Kindness, Integrity, and Fun.
Reflecting on your values can help you determine which areas of PROMISE need your attention. For example, if you value honesty and kindness, you might want to work on the Relationships domain of PROMISE to model these traits in your relationship with others. If you value ambition and integrity, you might want to reflect on the Occupation domain of your life and how you can manifest these qualities in all you do in the workplace.
And as you devote more time to one or two specific domains, you’ll likely be addressing the values that rank highest for you at this time in your life.
Characteristics of Values
Here are a few things I have discovered about values as I work on having a more balanced life.
1. Values help you in both the short-term and long term.
For example, one of the qualities I value is honesty. I want to be as honest as possible with others, and I’d like them to be honest with me. So honesty can also help me in the short and long term.
Whatever you value today, recognize that your values will help you both in the short and long term.
2. Values change as you change.
The things that were very important to me 30 years ago are not as important or relevant today.
For example, 30 years ago, I placed “adventure” and “fun” as something I strongly valued. I still have a sense of adventure today, but it’s not nearly as important as honesty, authenticity, or health. Because my life and circumstances have changed, so has the way I position my values.
3. Values are personal and subjective.
One of the ways I define a “balanced life” is that it is a subjective state. That is, no one can tell you if you are feeling balanced. Only you can make this determination.
Values follow the same principle. I can’t tell you your values; only you can identify them. In the same way, no one can say whether your values are “good” or “bad,” “right,” or “wrong.” Only you can determine what is important to you and why.
Why Values Are Valued
Values provide a guide, an aspirational set of standards for you to live by. When you are clear in your mind and heart about what is important to you, it will guide your choices and how you live your life.
The first step to living a more balanced life is to be aware of the areas that need changing. Which domains need more attention, and which areas need less attention? Your values will then guide you in how to approach these domains.