Part 3 – Values, Virtues & Mission

“Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.”
Albert Einstein

As I mentioned in the introduction, the choosing of our goals and values, the reflection upon those choices and the creating of life goals plans and personal mission statements are some of the highest level exercises a human being can do to develop purpose, meaning and direction for one’s life.  Values are something we all have but very few of us ever think deeply about. They are in a large part, along with our goals, what defines us. The New Webster dictionary defines values as 1. The desirability or worth of a thing. 2. Something regarded as desirable, worthy, or right, as a belief, standard or precept: The values of a democratic society. 

 The following exercise and creation of a personal mission statement can lay a foundation upon which you can confidently build a life. Plans and actions consistent with your chosen values develop true human character. With clear goals and values, decisions will come easily and success will follow.

Our values are reflected in our attitudes and our actions. Brian Tracy said it well in his audio program Action Strategies for Personal Achievement. He says “If a value is not expressed in actions it is not a true value, it is only a good intention. Many people make the mistake that if they say it, argue it, write it down or talk about it, it is the same as having it. Wrong. Only actions demonstrate what you really believe. It is only what you do, especially when the chips are down, that indicates to yourself and others what you believe and live by as a value. True values are engraved in stone. They are inviolable. If there is any area in your life where you must be steadfast and true, it is in the area of your values and your convictions. There is no such thing as having a value only some of the time. Like being pregnant, you either are or you are not. You can not only be a little bit, nor with your values can you  only have them some of the time and not others, only when it’s convenient. Your job in regards to your values is to decide very clearly what they are for you and then to resolve to live by them under any circumstances”

 Values are a critical part of our goals, our attitude, our actions which in turn affects our results and the quality of life we live. They are really the foundation of our personal character which is transferred into our work, business and families. Values are a matter of choice. Certainly we are influenced by the values of our parents, society and the culture but ultimately they become a choice and only your choice. Choose them with utmost thoughtfulness and consideration.

 On the next page I have created an exercise that is very helpful for sorting through the many virtues and values to get clear on which ones you feel strongly about. It is very empowering to choose a set of values that you promise to live by and allow to be part of a guiding governing philosophy and ultimately your personal or family mission statement. The results from this exercise will be used to create your mission statement along with your top goals and means of achievement.

“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.”
Roy Disney