Your values shape who you are and who you aspire to be while respecting yourself. They serve as the benchmarks for your life quality and indicate whether your existence holds meaning.
Values influence your views on politics, the environment, and sustainability, as well as your choices about family, education, and career. They act as an internal compass, intuitively leading you towards what matters to you in your life.
Does everyone have values? Yes, everyone possesses values, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. Even if some are unaware of their specific values, all human behavior is guided by a certain set of principles. These values form a vital part of our identity.
When values operate at an unconscious level, it can create a significant gap between our decisions and our true priorities. Being conscious of your values allows you to align your thoughts and actions, leading to greater joy and purpose in life.
Conversely, when there is a disconnect between what you regard as important and your actions, frustration and dissatisfaction can arise.
Consider a value conflict. For instance, if you claim that living a healthy life is vital but neglect exercise and healthy eating, you may gain weight and become unhappy with your body. This discrepancy between your stated values and your actions illustrates a conflict.
It may suggest that the value of health is not as significant to you as you believed, especially if it is not prioritized in your life.
Value conflicts often stem from adopting beliefs that are not truly our own but rather those of our families or social circles. Understanding where values originate is essential to personal growth.
Values are essential for survival as social beings. They facilitate communication and help us align our needs and behaviors, increasing our chances of fulfilling our needs and fitting in with others. Researchers suggest that values arise from both genetics and our social environment.
From childhood, values begin to take shape between ages five and twelve, influenced by personality and cultural factors. The values we internalize from our families greatly impact our adult choices, especially concerning education and careers.
However, just because we inherit our parents' values does not mean they resonate with us or support our well-being. Misalignment can lead to frustration and conflict as we seek to understand ourselves and separate from family norms.
To confidently embrace your own values, you must cultivate self-awareness and see yourself as an independent individual, rather than just part of your family unit. This process of self-discovery is active and essential for understanding values, often represented by a value wheel.