Understanding Your Values

What motivates you? Certainly there are many things, but among the most powerful are your personal values. They run so deep in your soul that they have a profound influence on you, whether you are consciously aware of them or not. They are largely responsible for what you do and how you do it. They tend to govern the job you take, why you take it and how you'll perform once you get it.

Chances are, unless you're prone to deep thoughts, you haven't taken time to assess what drives you. Yet, during times of change, knowing your inner values will make a huge difference in your ability to keep yourself satisfied and in control through the choices you make.

Want to get some insight into what you value? Try this: read the following list and check off those values which are most important to your life. Forget what everyone else might value; this is your list. Limit yourself to 8.

Now rate each of your eight chosen values according to how satisfied you are with each one at the present time. Use a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 indicating a high degree of satisfaction). If there are some values that you are not very satisfied with right now, take some action on them. For instance, if "family balance" is important to you but you rated it a "2," perhaps it's time to drop some of those evening activities that take you away from your family.

Knowing what your values are will enable you to assess your job and your personal life and make adjustments. If you know which way your internal compass is pointing, you'll know which way to steer your ship to keep yourself motivated and on course.

Accomplishment (sense of mastery and achievement)
Freedom (independence, autonomy)
Pleasure (fun, laughter, comfort)
Advancement (progress up a ladder)
Friendship (close relationships with others)
Power (control, authority, influence)
Adventure (new and challenging experiences)
Health (physical and mental well being)
Recognition (respect from others, status)
Competitiveness (winning, taking risks)
Inner Harmony (at peace with oneself)
Religion (strong religious/spiritual beliefs)
Contribution (assisting others, improving society)
Integrity (honesty, sincerity, standing up for beliefs)
Responsibility (accountable for results)
Cooperation (teamwork, getting along)
Involvement (belonging, participating)
Wealth (making money)
Creativity (imaginative, innovative)
Loyalty (duty, respectfulness, obedience)
Wisdom (understanding life, discovering knowledge)
Economic Security (steady, adequate income)
Order (tranquility, stability, conformity)
Family Balance (family members are satisfied)
Personal Development (use of potential)

Joan Lloyd is a columnist, author and consultant on career and management issues. If you have a topic that you would like considered, write to Joan Lloyd, 10701 W. North Avenue, Suite 203, Wauwatosa, WI 53226, e-mail Lloyd at jlloyd@execpc.com or visit her Web page at http://www.joanlloyd.com/.

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