10 Checkpoints To Know What You Value The Most

Your road to success can be paved with your values, says Louise Altman.

- Louise Altman

When it comes to success, there’s no shortage of advice out there. The problem is—most of it is not inner-focused. Success, as traditionally defined in many cultures, has to do with extrinsic rewards; power defined mostly by position and money. Sure, you need education, experiences and skills that can move you towards your goals, but do your goals include what you need to grow and sustain your wellbeing?

It’s been said that the most important thing in life is to decide what is important. Using your personal values as a touchstone to navigate through the inevitable challenges of working towards your goals is critical. The term “values” may seem overused—and abused—but don’t let that disillusion you. Your values represent what is most meaningful to you about work, relationships and life in general. Acting from your values will give you a solid foundation that can inspire, strengthen and renew you every step of the way.

Without a strong sense of your values to guide you, it’s easy to get caught up in other people’s agendas. While it’s noble and necessary to support others, it’s critical not to lose your way in service of someone else’s needs.

Working with your values is a continuous process. Think of your values as your “truth and meaning” metres. While there will be fluctuations in things that matter to you most at different points in your life, your core values are not likely to change.

These checkpoints can help guide you to a deeper understanding of what you value most:

1 Know