“We should not run out of supplies – I need to stock up!”
“Thank God, I can work from home and look after family too!”
“Oh God, how will I manage office work as well as house work!”
“Nobody steps out! It’s dangerous.”
“Holiday!!!”
Different people reacted differently when Covid-19 led to a lockdown last year. What does each of this reaction tell you about the person? Each has different priorities, different things that are important to them, different values.
Your values are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and work. They determine your priorities and motivate you to act one way or another. Everybody’s values are different, and they can change over time. These differences are affected by an individual’s culture, personal upbringing, life experiences, and a range of other influences. As children, our parents and teachers pass values on to us and we live our lives based on what they’ve taught us is important. As we grow up, we begin to identify our own unique set of values. While some may be the same as our childhood values, you may drop some as they no longer seem important to you. You may even realize that some other values have become more important as you experience life.
A very typical example which many millennials may resonate with is ‘frugality’. Those who grew up with parents or grandparents who had lived during early Independence days, had values of frugal living instilled in them. As our country progressed and economy opened up, the younger generation learnt to earn, spend and live it up. There is no right or wrong about values. It is how each one conducts themselves to follow their values that matters.
Values act as your inner compass. They play a big role in your decision making – whether it is about your career, your lifestyle, or your choice of a life partner. Your response to a situation is also driven by your values, whether you are conscious of it or not.
The important thing is to be aware about your values. Many people live through life without really thinking about what it is that drives them. What is important to them and what will make them happy. Because of this, they often find themselves in situations where they are confused, disillusioned or simply unhappy. Their mind is conflicted and there is an unease in the body which they cannot describe but feel it strongly. When you are doing something that is against your values, your instinct gives you signals. It is your values telling you to stop, think, re-evaluate your decision or action.
When our actions are aligned to our personal values, we experience a deep sense of satisfaction!
If you want to figure out your values and align your life to them, I can help you. Just reach out!
Khyati Shah is a Transformation Coach and seasoned professional dedicated to helping people overcome limiting beliefs and balance the demands of life and career more effectively. You can reach her on khyatishah@katalist.net.in.