Equality is one of my absolute core values (along with integrity and independence). When what you are doing (or seeing) is in conflict with one of your core values, you feel an emotional response. That is what happened to me when I watched 12 Years A Slave – a deep emotional response. Your emotional response might be the reddest hottest anger. It might be overwhelming joy.
What are values?
We all have a value system. Our most important values (our core values) affect everything that we do: how we behave, how we think, and how we feel. Your values are the unspoken rules and regulations; the terms and conditions by which you live your life.
Values are those intangible nouns such as loyalty, independence, freedom, stability, security, success, happiness, integrity or love.
Our values are partly cultural, partly upbringing, partly just you. When you understand your values i.e. what is most important to you, you make better decisions. Understanding your values is the foundation of the confidence work I do with women. When you get clear on who you are and what’s most important to you, you will have the confidence to make the decisions that are right for you.
Want to understand your values?
Grab a copy of this activity which I do at all my workshops and which will help you to understand what’s most important to you: Discover your Core Values in 5 Easy Steps.
Inevitably there’s a lightbulb moment or two when we do this. One client realised why she’d hated her job from three years ago even though on paper it looked to be the perfect role for her; her hate for that job was stopping her from applying for similar roles. But it wasn’t the job, it was the employer because her core values were in conflict.
