I first heard of a personal value statement when I was in college. I remember thinking, why would I need a value statement? I had thought value statements were only for businesses.
What are personal values?
Personal values come from our families, friends, and peers. They have a strong influence on our daily actions and decisions. Though many values are instilled within us as we grow up such as truthfulness, responsibility, confidence, and compassion, we gain other values through our interactions with friends and colleagues such as ambition, dedication, integrity, and loyalty.
I learned personal values are the foundation on which my beliefs, principles, ideas, and dreams were based. These values are what are important to me, what I believe in, what I stand up for, and define me as an individual.
Why would knowing my personal values be important to me and especially to my career?
What I learned in that college class was my values influence every choice, every decision, and affect every part of my life.
As you enter into the business world, a new job, or a new career, it is time to take stock of your own personal values and begin living your life within these values, if you are not already. You may need to reevaluate your current values and add other values based on where you are in your life. Determine what is important and remember the values you choose will define your character now and in the future.
For example, two personal values that are very important to me are not lying to others for personal gain or making promises that I do not intend to keep. Telling the truth and not making empty promises show I respect the people I am interacting with by being honest.
Being aware of personal values also helps us not to be easily swayed by other people’s influence, or not to be pressured to do something out of our comfort zone. An example would be holding strong on a decision even though your peers may pressure you to do something else.
Below is a list of personal values that may be important to you. Become aware of your personal values and understand how they influence your actions and reactions to situations throughout your day.
Ask yourself these questions.
- What do you believe is important in your life?
- What do you value most in others and would like to see within yourself?
- How do you want to be perceived by your family, friends, and colleagues?
- When you make decisions, are you following the values that you believe are most important to you?
- What values do you believe will help you accomplish your goals and dreams?
| Confidence | Flexibility | Adaptability | Compassion |
| Understanding | Sympathy | Dedication | Determination |
| Ambition | Resourcefulness | Self-Reliance | Integrity |
| Commitment | Independence | Persistence | Consistency |
| Teamwork | Honesty | Loyalty | Quality |
| Optimism | Generosity | Dignity | Innovativeness |
| Diversity | Individuality | Courage | Friendliness |
Understanding my personal values has made it easier for me to make decisions and follow through with goals that I have set for myself. Dedication and determination have personally helped me to achieve major goals in my life through hard work and commitment such as going back to college, changing careers, and starting my own business.
Take stock of your personal values and come up with a value statement for yourself. Write it down and follow it every day. You will find decision-making and reaching personal goals easier and feel less stress as a result.
I would love to know what personal values you believe are the most important to you and how they have helped guide you in your personal and business interactions.
Hi, I’m Karen. Welcome to my website! I will show you how to establish the framework for an organized and successful leadership and office management system.
