I've recently been pondering over how much our values influence our lives.
When you ask yourself, "Why do you do what you do" across all aspects - be it our thoughts, words, actions, behaviors, and all life decisions (major or minor), it all eventually boils down to this answer - VALUES.
Sometimes, we compromise our values for various reasons - societal pressures, temptations, external influences, the need to impress someone or to be part of a group, etc.
But if you notice those CONSISTENT patterns in your thoughts, behaviors, or decisions, VALUES play an influential role.
I have taken up this exercise of jotting down all my values as I unravel them one by one. Here's the list in no particular order:
- Good Health
- Time
- Authenticity
- Humility
- Punctuality
- Simplicity
- Hard work
- Spiritual
- Sharing my gifts
- Freedom
- Responsible
- Frugality
- Effective use of resources
- Continuous Learning
- Seeking knowledge
- Balance
This list will not remain static and is bound to evolve. Also, the priority we assign to a value keeps changing, when we end up in a situation where we have to pick one value over another.
The reason why I have been able to stay consistent with home cooking, Yoga practice, and regular walking is due to the value I assign to good health.
The reason why I have been able to stay consistent with reading is due to the value I assign to Continuous Learning and Seeking knowledge.
The reason why I get so frustrated with long commute, traffic, and pointless meetings is due to the value I assign to Time.
The reason why I lose my temper with my family members on certain occasions is due to the value I assign to Frugality and the Effective use of resources.
Values are the hidden, but powerful influencers in our lives. Becoming aware of them is by itself a valuable lesson.