MONDAY 8TH JANUARY 2023 - UNVEILING YOUR VALUES: TWO STEPS TO DETERMINE WHAT YOU TRULY VALUE

Question: What are the three most important values that I hold dear, and why are they significant to me?

There’s usually some confusion between values and beliefs. A value is something that you think is important. For example money, food or health. On the other hand, a belief is something you think is true even if you cannot prove it. For example, animals should be treated like humans. 

There’s are two steps to determine what you truly value: 

STEP 1: HOW YOU SPEND YOUR MONEY

Look at how you spend your money. Review your bank statements or, if you’re in Kenya, your M-PESA transactions. Where your money goes is a true reflection of what you genuinely value.

STEP 2: HOW YOU SPEND YOUR TIME

Look at how you spend your time. Assess where and how you invest your time. Where and how you spend your most time is a true reflection of what you genuinely value. Remember that everyone dedicates a significant portion of their time to work or study, so let’s exclude those from consideration. Focus instead on how you invest your time when not engaged in these activities. 

NOTE: Your values aren’t merely thoughts in your head, feelings in your heart, or ideas in your mind. They manifest through how you allocate your money and invest your time.

Here’s a few more additional questions for you to explore your values: 

• What do you value more, relationships or possessions? 

• Do you think the end justifies the means or the means justifies the end? 

• In challenging situations, do you prioritize honesty or kindness? 

• In your interactions, do you prioritize empathy or logic? 

• What holds more significance to you, internal satisfaction or external recognition? 

Remember studies indicate that people who had more meaningful and purposeful lives, and were more healthier, wealthier and wise invested their time in education over entertainment. 

LINKS: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMusjixdf10&t=59s