Integrating My Own Values Journey

The first time I dipped my toe into the values conversation was in my personal life. 

Nearing the end of my master’s degree, I found myself struggling with burnout and apathy. Despite enjoying what I was learning and the work I was doing at the time, something felt off about the direction my life was heading. 

I was drawn towards self-directed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), where through journal prompts, I was encouraged to define my values and how I could actively align with those values. I started to make small changes in my lifestyle to better align with what I valued. I never expected, at that time, that this personal development would return to guide the development of my consulting business. 

Nevertheless, around two years later, in the midst of struggling to define how I wanted to market my brand, I was continuously drawn back to the issues many workplaces were experiencing in keeping workers and building a shared sense of community. I found myself asking, “What was missing from these dynamics? How can I help fill this gap?” 

Imagine my surprise when I learned that lead researchers, such as Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and international Occupational Health & Safety commissions, were all pointing out that individual values were a key part of not only workplace happiness and belonging, but safety, creativity, productivity, and loyalty. 

Humans are designed to care – and our values encompass the things we care the most about. 

When we can make choices that align our actions with what we value, we are happier and more fulfilled in our lives. Most of us spend a significant amount of time in our workplaces. So, it makes sense that being able to act in alignment with our values in the workplace IS a key part of promoting well-being and satisfaction at work. 

I realized that there are workplaces that want to support the people they rely on, but this kind of guidance was not widely advertised or provided, especially not for smaller-scale businesses. 

What would this look like? How could I best harness the value of values for my clients? 

The very first step was nailing down the values I was using to guide my business development, so I could be certain that I was showing up as my most authentic self for my clients. I was a walking example of what values-based self-knowledge could lead to. 

Values Are The Directions

There are plenty of widely circulated examples of how to create goals and plans that stick. 

But reaching those goals or accomplishing those plans is only satisfying if they are already aligned with the values that bring us closer to our authentic self. 

How many of us have spent months or years striving for a goal that brings us no joy when we finally accomplish it? I know of several people who have completed university degrees that they no longer use, folks who make themselves miserable striving for fitness goals created by others, and individuals who build an entire life based on what those around them tell them to care about. 

Many of those people are unhappy, apathetic, or unfulfilled by the time they have put towards these goals. 

What’s missing? 

The fact that they were not rooted in the values that are truly authentic to them. 

That isn’t to say that the values guiding these decisions are “bad” – for some, they are excellent and fulfilling lives – but if a value isn’t authentic to you, it is effectively sending you in “the wrong direction” when it comes to your choices and goals. 

Unlike goal setting, values are not some final points in time you will reach someday. They are an active process in each day of our lives. They are the compass that, when we listen to it, influences where we will eventually end up. 

Taking the time to uncover your authentic values, instead of those taught to you by others, is the same as calibrating your compass so you can trust the decisions you are making regardless of the unknown forks in the path ahead. 

How Do You Know What Your Values Are? 

Through no fault of our own, we all pick up values from the world around us. Our parents teach us to value hard work, good behaviour, beauty, or health. Perhaps our teachers instill values for learning. Social media can teach us to value anything from generosity to freedom to money. 

Some cultures and religions are more involved when it comes to teaching values for a good life. Some parents are very good at allowing their children to learn about themselves and make their own decisions. 

Wherever you are in your life now, and whatever your background, values are influencing your decisions. 

Do you know what they are? 

If you’ve never explored your own values, you may have no idea, and that’s okay! A good trick to uncover the values that are in the “driver’s seat” is to pay attention to the choices you are making and the actions you are taking. 

For example:

• What do you choose to eat when you eat out? Are you valuing flavour, convenience, or health? 

• If you are out with friends on a work night, do you leave early or go to work tired the next day? What does that indicate about your values? 

• When you are dating, what kind of partners do you choose? 

Remember, the choices you are making – especially if you’ve never explored your values before – are indicating the values you are using to make decisions. This does not mean those values are most authentic to you or the life that brings you the greatest satisfaction. 

If you find that valuing convenience, fun, and freedom lead you to feel drained, sick, or unfulfilled, that’s an excellent indicator that the values that are influencing your decisions aren’t actually authentic to you at all. Maybe this leads you to realize that you do value being well-rested and healthy more than you value convenience and fun. 

Understanding this is the first step towards calibrating your values compass so you can start making decisions in alignment with your authentic self and goals. 

Values in the Workplace: The Vibrant Approach

On a personal level, values alignment is key for living a life of alignment, satisfaction, and fulfillment. In a time where businesses are frequently struggling to reduce turnover and understaffing, values are the antidote to employee dissatisfaction. 

What exactly does this mean? 

It means that workplaces need to remember that the people they hire are the greatest investment in their businesses’ success and flourishing. To support their employees authentically, workplaces need to make space for employees to practice their values in their existing roles and positions. 

Vibrant Systems offers the Values Integration & Exploration Workshop to facilitate exactly this transition. 

By educating employees and management on the importance of values, how to define and act in alignment with one’s values, and the creation of a personal values-friendly workplace, Vibrant Systems ensures that we are all set to thrive. 

Let’s make your story a vibrant one. 

Check out the Value Integration & Exploration Workshop today to learn more about VIEW or get a quote today!