Calm in the Chaos - Tips for a Better Life
Choose What Matters to You: Your Personal Values Statement
by Jamie Spannhake
January 18, 2022
Take some time to really think about what you want in your life. Consider what you want your life to look like. Depending on where you are in your life, you may envision it differently. You can tweak this definition as much or as often as you need, as thoughts, goals, and circumstances change over time, so do not feel that this is your one and only opportunity. However, keep in mind that while goals may change, values are usually consistent throughout life, even as circumstances change.
Consider the “Big Picture”
Consider the life you imagined for yourself: all the different aspects, people, and places. Here are some helpful starter questions to get you going. Write down your answers, preferably in a journal or in The Lawyer, the Lion, & the Laundry Workbook. If you prefer, create a visual mind map of the life you desire.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
1. What kind of person do you want to be?
2. What kind of parent, child, sibling, or spouse do you want to be?
3. What kind of physical environment do you want to live in?
4. What kind of people do you want around you?
5. Do you want a family? What does “family” mean to you? Having a partner? Children? Pets?
6. Do you want to work outside the home? Do you want a “career”? What does that mean to you? What does it look like?
7. What does financial stability look like to you?
8. What activities are important to you? What activities do you enjoy?
9. What kind of spiritual or religious practice is meaningful to you, if any?
10. What kind of community do you want to live and participate in?
Ask as many questions as you need to define what you want. Try to focus on creating a positive picture of your life. If you prefer, check out Mind Meister for its mind mapping tool online and via app.
Your Values Statement
Examining the answers to your questions and thoughts about what you want in your life will help you develop an understanding of your values so you can clearly define what you really want. Also review your mind map.
Now write out or draw a “values statement” for your life. It's similar to a company's mission statement. Your values statement could be one paragraph that succinctly encapsulates the information you have learned through defining what you want and what is lacking. Or, you can simply review your answers and information to ensure that your values are clear in your mind. Or, if you are a visual person, you can create a vision board.
Whatever method you use, you are creating the framework for your life!
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