Are you living a value-based lifestyle? How can you tell?
How values are expressed
Some people talk openly about their values and what is important to them. Others live their principles and beliefs at home, in their communities, and in the workplace. Some reveal their standards in stories on the news and in social media.
Values—yours and other peoples’—affect how we all live our lives. No matter how you express these consistent ideals called values, we all have those that are personally important to us because they give life meaning and purpose. Common values are the basis of many relationships. We create a value-based lifestyle when what is really important to us, our relationships, our work, and how we spend our time all align.
How to test your values
One test for a value-based lifestyle is the “calendar and checkbook” test. Feel free to substitute the appropriate app of your choice in this age of smartphones and online technology. The important point is to really take a close look at how you spend your time and money.
• What do you value according to your calendar?
• If how you spend your money is the prime indicator, what does that say about you and what is most important to you?
• Are you passionate about the core values that consistently crop up in your review of your calendar and checkbook?
How to choose a value-based lifestyle
As you make work and life transitions, consciously choose to create a value-based lifestyle as you go. Ask yourself
• What is really important to me?
• What are my values?
• Does the use of my time and money reflect these values?
• How can I become more conscious of living my life by these values?
• Where do I need to better align my behavior and my values?
By taking time for reflection and then consciously choosing to act on what you learn, you can create a value-based lifestyle that will give your life meaning and purpose.