Values — why?

Values have long since become a trendy topic. Companies, associations, individuals, everyone is talking about values. Rightly so. Because values are our compass. Those who understand them deeply and orient themselves accordingly live a fulfilled life.

What are values?

The Dorsch Psychological Dictionary, which already accompanied me during my Psychology studies, writes: «A value attitude is a stable disposition that expresses what a person finds important in life and what long-term life goals (are) considered desirable. (...) The value attitude is part of the self-concept because it also provides an answer to the question: Who am I? (...) the value attitude (...) acts as a guideline for life across situations and time.»

Why are values so powerful?

Simply put, where you live according to your values, you are satisfied, fulfilled. Where you don't live by your values, you get into conflict, you withdraw, or become restless.

To illustrate this with an example: One of my most important values is growth. More specifically, I've described this value as: «I constantly evolve and learn new things (in all senses, not just cognitively); I seize and embrace opportunities (e.g., accepting projects outside my comfort zone); I recognize my own limiting patterns and break them in order to mature.» In my professional life, I live this value to the maximum: I can constantly reinvent myself and have also created the freedom to determine my own activities. I find fulfilment in that.

Another important value for me is simplicity. That means: I value simple processes (not making things complicated if not necessary); I own few things, each of which I value; I love silence — I don't talk redundantly or at all; I value fewer plans and more free time. Living this value is not always easy for me with my job and family. I work a lot, and don't always find rest - this is a conscious choice, but it doesn't fully honour my value and sometimes leads to resentment.

So if you know your values and what they mean to you, you make better, more conscious choices, which in turn lead to more fulfilment.

How do you discover or sharpen your values?

In this free guide (currently only available in German), I show you step by step how to discover and sharpen your values. Furthermore, you will find out in which situations and with which people you live or do not live your values. This will help you to resolve conflicts more consciously and to actively align your life with your values.

This guide corresponds to module 3 of the «Focus forward» 12-week coaching program. If you want to learn more, sign up for the May program!