The things that matter most must never be at the mercy of the things that matter least.
Johann Goethe
1749 – 1832
How well do you know what you value? I want to give you a little test: write down the top ten things you value. I’m totally serious; if you want to gain some insight into your life, take time for this task. Get a blank sheet of paper and write down the ten most valuable things in your life. (Leave some room next to each item to add comments as we work through the exercise.)
If you’re like most people, you might want to reflect on your list and make some changes. Take a few minutes to review your list, consider it and finalize it.
Once you’re happy with your list, go through each item and write down how much time, energy and money you devote to it in an average day or week.
All done? Then I’d like you to do a second list: the top ten ways you spend your limited resources (time, energy and money).
For many people, those lists won’t match up very well. There will be a few items on both lists, but there will also be some items that are only on one list or the other.
One top value is generally family or children. But take an honest look at the time and energy you devote to your family. Too often, we claim family values but fail to live up to that claim. We put career, financial goals and other desires ahead of family.
We spend our time, money and energy on the things we truly value most, despite what we tell ourselves about where our values lie. When our beliefs about our values aren’t consistent with the way we live our lives, we can’t help but feel conflicted.
Do some soul searching and ask yourself why your listed values don’t match your behavior. Do you need to be more honest with yourself about your priorities? Or do you need to do a better job of living in accordance with your values?
I realize these ideas might seem a little deep to some people. But if you’re looking for a more satisfying life, one thing you must do is get your life in alignment with your values; get clear about what’s most important to you and then start living your life in way that reflects those priorities.
Personal leadership is the process of keeping your vision and values before you and aligning your life to be congruent with them.
Stephen Covey
1932-
Copyright © 2014 John Chancellor