Week 210

Positive post Sunday, February 28, 2021- Week 210. 

Our core values and beliefs are foundational in establishing our character, and they are highly influential in the decisions we make in our lives.  Last week I shared my Mom’s Memoirs which gave me insight into where many of my core values and beliefs have come from.  I have also written many Positive Post Sundays featuring my core values of Faith, Family and Fitness.  

Robert Glazer, Founder & CEO, Acceleration Partners wrote about the importance of “Clear Values” in his Friday Forward article on 1/29/21.  He questions how we can know if we are safe with our decisions in life if we aren’t clear on what our values are.  He also acknowledges and reaffirms my belief that, consciously or unconsciously, our core values influence and guide many of our most important decisions.

Glazer references the “The Big Three” decisions; 1) Your chosen vocation or place of work, 2) Where you choose to live and 3) Who you choose as a spouse or life partner.  He notes that his experience is that “The Big Three” decisions turn out poorly if they are not aligned with our core values.  I’m very fortunate to work for a company, live in a community and share my life with a spouse where my core values are shared and respected.  

Core values should not be confused with opinions, core values touch our souls and are much deeper than opinions.  I believe it is healthy to have diverse and constructive dialog with those you share core values with.  I know you will find this shocking but not everyone I work with, members in my community or my family and spouse agree with everything I do our say.  Far from it, and quite frankly, it would be quite boring and limiting if we all agreed on everything.  Furthermore, I have benefited greatly from the opportunity to hear diverse a

As New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant notes in his book “Think Again”, keeping an open mind and allowing ourselves to rethink and unlearn can position us for excellence at work and wisdom in life.  Although painful at times, I have found it invaluable to listen to others who do not share my opinion.  I often gain a new perspective and always benefit from the experience.

What are your core values?

Are your decisions and choices in life consistent with your core values?

Do you seek dialog with others that don’t share your opinions?  Where would you benefit from the opportunity to Think Again?