Have a Personal Value System

A personal value system is a set of principles or ideals that drive or guide your behavior.

Your personal value system gives you structure and purpose by helping you determine what is meaningful and important to you.

It helps you express who you are and what you stand for.

If you are unaware of or become disconnected from your values, you may make choices based on impulse or instant gratification rather than solid reasoning and responsible decision-making.

Your values define your character. They impact every aspect of your life, including:

• personal and work behaviors

• your interactions with family, friends, and co-workers

• your decision-making processes

• the direction you take in life

• the overall quality of your life

• your happiness and well-being

This is why it is important to know what you value, why you value it, and what precedence it takes in your life.

Four Categories of a Personal Value System

Personal Values - Personal values are those traits we see as worth aspiring to and that define our character.

Spiritual Values - The values that connect us to a higher power and give us a sense of purpose beyond our material existence.

Family Values - To love and care for those we are close to - our children, parents, other family members, and friends.

Career Values - The best use and expression of our talents and skills to contribute to society and for monetary compensation.

Which values do we, as social beings, find desirable?

No matter what tradition we are brought up in, there are characteristics we value in others that transcend social, economic, and religious boundaries. Some of these characteristics are:

Integrity
Integrity is trustworthiness, honesty, and uprightness of character. We value people of integrity because we know what to expect from them. We know they will act honorably and do what they think is right. We want people with integrity as friends on our teams and in our organizations.

Respect
Respect is honoring the worth and dignity of all people. Those who respect others treat them with fairness and courtesy. They treat others the way they themselves wish to be treated.

Loyalty
Loyalty is a commitment and faithfulness to a person or cause. Those loyal to their family, friends, organizations, and country stand behind and support them during good times and bad times. They can be counted on to be there when the going gets difficult and help when the chips are down.

Responsibility
Those who accept responsibility are reliable and willing to take accountability for who they are and what they do. They believe they have a moral obligation to help others and contribute to their society.

No matter what values we choose to live by, it is vital that we look at the big picture, assess what we want our role to be, and map out how we intend to conduct our lives.