Values

Values reflect an individual's sense of what is important, meaningful, and worthwhile, and serve as a guiding framework for decision-making, behavior and actions.

What are values?

Values are the beliefs and principles that shape an individual's attitudes, behaviors, and choices. They are deeply-held convictions that influence how a person perceives and interacts with the world around them.

Values can encompass a wide range of concepts, such as honesty, integrity, respect, empathy, fairness, loyalty, compassion, accountability, courage, inclusivity, perseverance, creativity, and many others. Values are typically formed and shaped by various factors, including upbringing, culture, experiences, education, and personal reflection. They may evolve and change over time as an individual's beliefs and perspectives evolve.

Values can have a significant impact on an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They inform an individual's choices and actions, and influence how they interact with others, make decisions, and respond to different situations. Living in alignment with one's values can bring a sense of authenticity, purpose, and fulfillment, while disregarding or neglecting one's values can lead to feelings of internal conflict, dissatisfaction, and inconsistency.

It's important for individuals to be aware of their values and to reflect on them to gain clarity about what truly matters to them. Understanding and aligning with one's values can help guide decisions, shape behaviors, and foster personal growth and development.

In a professional context, when we are pushed to operate outside of our values due to the culture of our organization or because of the behavior of other individuals this can lead to a greater level of stress and a higher chance of burnout. Finding a career and organization that aligns with our values can be the key to feeling more fulfilled, motivated and purposeful.