Do you use values-based decision-making in your life and work? This may not seem like an important consideration in your day-to-day decisions, the little things that have few if any consequences. But what if you were facing a life-altering event?
In my mid-fifties, I had to face the question “What is really important to me at this stage of my life?” after multiple family members were diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Suddenly my personal values shifted. Family instead of work became my top priority.
Because I had learned how to use values-based decision-making and family was one of my values, I knew I needed to rearrange my work schedule to accommodate family needs. The opposite had been true for many years. These life-altering events helped me appreciate my family, recognize how finite life is, and reevaluate my own perspective on retirement planning.
When I use values-based decision-making, I don’t wait to do what I value most. After all, none of us know how many years we have left to do all we want to do.
In my training to be a life coach, I explored, inventoried, and discussed my values with my fellow coaching trainees. Some of the values were unconscious and others gave me a new appreciation for what matters most.
Here’s how you can incorporate values-based decision-making into your life and work decisions. First identify your core values as they relate to the transition you are facing. Rank order them and then ask “Does this decision support what I value most?”
Examples of core value categories include
• Adventure
• Beauty
• Financial security
• Health
• Honesty
• Leadership
• Leisure
• Personal growth
• Public service
• Relationships
• Work
These scenarios show how core values might play out.
• If family and friends are at the top of your list, you will choose a job or a new home nearby.
• If enjoying the outdoors year-round is a priority, you will probably consider a climate more important than cost of living.
As you plan for retirement, values-based decision-making will help you make the best choices among many options like staying in place, moving to another city or state, or buying a second home. You need to consider amenities, availability of health care and other services, climate, geo-physical location, leisure pursuits, social opportunities, and more.
Take the time to explore your core values and make sure the life you’re living reflects those values. By acting consciously, you can be sure that living by your values in later years will guide you to your life’s true meaning and purpose.
You can take my Values Assessment and begin prioritizing your core values so you can live a values-based life. You can find this exercise online at “Core values: define and align them.”