Values, Purpose & New Year's Resolutions

By Kamila Harkavy

Soon people will be writing out their New Year's Resolutions for 2009 or at least thinking about the New Year. People will be thinking of what they want, what they want to be different and better, and what they think they could do differently to better bring about the life or circumstances they desire- a life, perhaps, that better embodies their values, perhaps even expresses their purpose.

Deeply held values, those that have intrinsic worth and thus are about things that cannot be lost, fuel the energy on which purpose is built. They define an enduring code of conduct- the rules of engagement in the journey to bring our vision for ourselves to life. Some universal values: generosity, integrity, courage, humility, compassion, loyalty, steadfastness, and love. To begin to explore more deeply the values most compelling to you, set aside uninterrupted time to contemplate:

• Jump ahead to the end of your life. What are the 3 most important lessons you've learned and why are they so critical?
• Think of 3 people that you deeply respect. Describe 3 qualities in each person that you most admire.
• Who are you at your best?
• What one-sentence inscription would you like to see on your tombstone that would capture who you really were in your life?

These questions will elicit your deepest values.

A value is ultimately a roadmap for action. The more we are committed to and guided by our values, the more powerful a source of energy they become. A value in action is a virtue. Alignment occurs when we transform our values into virtues by embodying and acting on them. Values hold us to a different standard for managing our energy and our lives.

Some questions we may ask:

• How can work be a forum in which to express and embody our deepest values and purpose?
• What is my greatest purpose in life and how can work be an avenue for or an expression of this?
• What are some steps that would move in the direction of discovering my purpose and creating work that is an embodiment of that purpose?

Clarifying purpose takes time, quiet uninterrupted time- which is challenging to arrange. It may help to think of this time as an investment with the potential to deliver a high return over time- increased energy, fuller engagement, higher productivity, and greater satisfaction.

Ask yourself:" Is the life I'm living worth what I'm giving up to have it?"

If these questions have stirred something within you that you'd like to explore in greater depth, you may want to work with a coach who can guide you through the discovery and clarifying process.

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