You'll need to set a significant portion of time aside to explore your values (at least a few hours). Better yet, I suggest you take a personal retreat--perhaps a day--away from the "distractions" of life. Dedicate this time to the personal exploration of your life.
A.
On a sheet of paper write at the top the statement: "I
value..." Then, in a freestyle
fashion, begin listing everything you consider important, valuable, and worthwhile
in your life. My list looks like this:
I VALUE...
God, family, church, community,
courage, generosity, honesty, excellence, faith, compassion, collaboration,
success, etc.
B.
My "Values List" has nearly 100 different items. When your list begins to reach this level of
volume, I suggest that it time for a second step. Begin to review your list. Whittle it down to around 20-25 items.
Condense items on the list that seem
repetitive. Delete those for which you are
unable to develop a clear image in your mind.
Remove those which really (n\upon reflection) don't seem to be a primary
value statement for the way you live your life.
C.
When your list has been condense to 20-25 items--choose 3-5 which seem
central to you life. How? Ask yourself these questions:
Which of these values are the MOST
IMPORTANT things I look for in others and/or expect from myself?
Which of these values reflect well
upon my purpose and vision statements?
If I had to sacrifice all the other
value items, keeping just one, which one would I keep?
After you have selected your first
(central, primary, overarching value)conduct this process again to select a
third or fourth!
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