There are many ways to make decisions in life. Gut feel, history, do the numbers add up are all ways in which we can decide to do or not do things.
However, there is another way. And that is connecting with and following our values. we could have personal values that are different to business values. However, in this industry often we are our business – so these values can be the same or similar.
When defining your values, it is important to really look at what could fit with you and feel comfortable day to day. I have a large list of values you can swipe from my Business Bootcamp course. This helps people become aligned before they really dig into the meat of setting up with financial plan and other aspects of their business.
A wise and yet young man who lived as a monk for 3 years (Think Like a Monk) Jay Shetty revisits his values every 3 or so days. His advice is: the busier you are, the more often you should be revisiting your values so that you stay on track with your life.
This makes sense. If you are constantly being bombarded with offers and options in life that mean you have to make a decision as to whether you get involved or not you need the structure of your values behind you to ascertain whether it’s the right option or not. If you say yes to everything how to you know it is right for you?
If you have your values buzzing in the back of your head from that mornings review, you will be super focused on what is right for you and what is not. This helps you say NO to things more easily and be able to provide a solid reason why not when someone asks.
“I’m sorry that project sounds fun but it doesn’t align with my values/goals right now, I wish you luck” Walk away……
Committing to your values:
For me obviously health is a key value as I would expect in most of my colleagues in this industry. Other values for me are family, business, community and curiosity. There is no limit to the values you have but when you go through the list before you commit make sure there aren’t any double ups or similarities which can help you with shortening your list a little. E.g. ‘community’ and ‘connection’ could be seen as quite similar. Do you need both? If not pick one and be satisfied that it covers what you need and move onto the next one.
I reckon once you have about 5 or so you are about there. They are not set in stone and can be changed as things in life change. For example if you got divorced but one of your values was marriage you may want to rethink that!!!
When it comes to business values there may well be overlap of a complete different set of values. This is worth taking the time to consider and you may want to brand these values on the walls of your business, so you attract the appropriate clientele to your business. If they know your values, they are more likely to come and stay if they align with their own.
Large signs on walls of businesses show you are serious about your values and are happy to share them which not only holds you accountable to them but your entire team too if you have one. That’s a win win right there.
At the end of the day values are a very personal topic. Its like asking why you drive a red car, or why you chose Nike instead of Adidas. It just is, and so are your values.
However, there is another way. And that is connecting with and following our values. we could have personal values that are different to business values. However, in this industry often we are our business – so these values can be the same or similar.
When defining your values, it is important to really look at what could fit with you and feel comfortable day to day. I have a large list of values you can swipe from my Business Bootcamp course. This helps people become aligned before they really dig into the meat of setting up with financial plan and other aspects of their business.
A wise and yet young man who lived as a monk for 3 years (Think Like a Monk) Jay Shetty revisits his values every 3 or so days. His advice is: the busier you are, the more often you should be revisiting your values so that you stay on track with your life.
This makes sense. If you are constantly being bombarded with offers and options in life that mean you have to make a decision as to whether you get involved or not you need the structure of your values behind you to ascertain whether it’s the right option or not. If you say yes to everything how to you know it is right for you?
If you have your values buzzing in the back of your head from that mornings review, you will be super focused on what is right for you and what is not. This helps you say NO to things more easily and be able to provide a solid reason why not when someone asks.
“I’m sorry that project sounds fun but it doesn’t align with my values/goals right now, I wish you luck” Walk away……
Committing to your values:
For me obviously health is a key value as I would expect in most of my colleagues in this industry. Other values for me are family, business, community and curiosity. There is no limit to the values you have but when you go through the list before you commit make sure there aren’t any double ups or similarities which can help you with shortening your list a little. E.g. ‘community’ and ‘connection’ could be seen as quite similar. Do you need both? If not pick one and be satisfied that it covers what you need and move onto the next one.
I reckon once you have about 5 or so you are about there. They are not set in stone and can be changed as things in life change. For example if you got divorced but one of your values was marriage you may want to rethink that!!!
When it comes to business values there may well be overlap of a complete different set of values. This is worth taking the time to consider and you may want to brand these values on the walls of your business, so you attract the appropriate clientele to your business. If they know your values, they are more likely to come and stay if they align with their own.
Large signs on walls of businesses show you are serious about your values and are happy to share them which not only holds you accountable to them but your entire team too if you have one. That’s a win win right there.
At the end of the day values are a very personal topic. Its like asking why you drive a red car, or why you chose Nike instead of Adidas. It just is, and so are your values.
PICK THEM – STICK THEM ON THE WALL - LIVE THEM!!!
