My BIG values

Having personal values is a powerful decision-making and communications tool.

First, it creates a framework for planning ahead and taking action (does this take me where I want to be?). Second, it helps to communicate my expectations, actions and thinking to others; be it my partner, a potential employer, or a team-mate.

Personal values are the signal to look for when all you hear is noise. Here are mine:

Balance

• Live an intentionally calm life
• Healthy division of time & energy between me, my partner, family, friends, work and hobbies

Integrity

• Act like the person I want to be
• Personal behaviour grounded on principles
• Be a person others can trust
• Never cut corners for short-term gains

Growth

• Comparison to previous you – “be better than yesterday”
• Help others around you and contribute to their growth

Writing down your values requires a pen, a piece of paper and self-awareness. It’s not necessarily an easy exercise, but those scribblings just might clear up your mind and help you focus on the things that really matter to you.

For inspiration and guidance to get started, check out James Clear’s article about values, his integrity reports, and a 50+ list of core values.