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Link your actions with your valuesBy Bonnie Artman
The traffic had slowed down and in the distance I could see the flashing red lights. I knew it couldn't be good. Soon I came upon the accident. With one of the cars on its side I could see the bottom of the vehicle. I had a sick feeling in my stomach as I wondered if there were survivors.
As I drove away I had a flashback to a similar scene a few years back, in which I was the one in the vehicle trapped inside. Overwhelmed and grateful to be alive, I said a prayer for the people in the cars I had just passed; and I was once again reminded of how life can change in an instant.
Since that day I have lived with much more gratitude for being alive. I must admit, it took a brush with death for me to become more intentional to clarify my values and decide how I want to make each day count.
Values are those guiding principles that give meaning and purpose to life. Once we define our values, we have clearer direction about the patterns of behavior we choose in order to live more consistent with what we say is important to us. Goals on the other hand are measurable accomplishments that help us live out our values. If I say one of my values is spending time with the people I love, my calendar would reflect that value by the actual amount of time I set aside for events and gatherings with those people. If I say I value helping those in need, my checkbook would reflect charitable giving. Inadvertently, we achieve our goals when we focus more on living according to our values, instead of focusing on a particular outcome.
What are your values? What would happen in your life if you focused less on achievements or accomplishments and began to live consistent with your values? When you link your behavior, or what you do...to your values...are you living out what you say you want your life to be about?
Take a few minutes to review the following list.
1. Define what your values are in each of the following categories? 2. Ask yourself what patterns, actions and behaviors you are willing to change in order to live more consistent with your values...to link your actions to your values? Any movement toward your values, however small, leads to increased vitality, meaning, and purpose for your life. Relationships - Family, friends, socially, romantic
Work/Career
Personal Growth
Recreation/Down time
Spirituality/Religion
Community Involvement
Health/Physical Well-being
Don't wait until a crisis to decide what you want your life to be about...decide today to link your actions with your values.
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The 100/0 Principle