Alan Expressions

During a Franklin-Covey timequest class five or so years ago I was asked to write out my values. The value list is used to keep your focus on what is important to you and keep you from getting wrapped up in those things that you do not consider important and to keep you on track.

Your value list can also be used to evaluate other tasks against. If you have conflicting items arise or need to prioritize values become important in priorotizing the tasks.

Here is my list of values..
I maintain a clean work and living space acceptable to others.
I produce good quality work and stay in good standing in my place of work.
I am self-sufficient both financially and emotionally.
I value my religion and the responsibilities that go with it.
I maintain good relationships with my family and communicate with them often.
I value my friends and am always appreciative of their presence and participation in my life.
I strive to gain the knowledge necessary to accomplish the task at hand.
I assist, train and help others when asked on both a personal and technical level.
I do not accept responsibilities that I cannot follow through on.
I am honest in my dealings with others and with myself.
I do not procrastinate on issues that have time deadlines.
I strive to stay healthy and keep an active lifestyle.

There are a couple of these that I have let go by the wayside and need to get back on track but as a whole I am good about keeping the focus proper.

In the last five years I have added four values and removed none. I’m sure one day I will drop some off the list but since all of them are still valid there is no need to drop any at this time.

Kind of like new years resolutions values don’t have to be something that is pre-existing. You can put things on the list that you would like to become. By always exposing yourself to the list and reminding yourself that that is who you want to be you will eventually transform yourself into that person over time. Some say that it takes 20 days of doing something every day to build a habit around it. Values are one of those thing that you must use in exactly that way, if you don’t enforce them every day they won’t become who you are; they will always remain something you are striving for rather than actually doing.

After while it is no longer an issue of trying to become that person, it is now who you are and no longer takes effort every day. It becomes your nature to act in that particular way.

Don’t know what you want to become or what values are important to you? Look around yourself and see who you admire, who you look up to, what the are the qualities of that person or group that make you think so highly of them? That will give you some things to put on your values list.

Once you have created a values list you must read it every day and are evaluating every circumstance and decision by your values. Only then will you start to meld your actions toward becoming the person you want to be.