Principles & Values...what do you stand for?
I wanted to write something today that would make you think a little. Not that you don’t exercise that process on a daily basis, but something to think about that would motivate you to move...just an inch or two.
I have involved myself with many so-called self-improvement programs over the years. Some of which were employer-sponsored, others were personal projects to help me improve as a person. I have done most of the Tony Robbins things, as well as Dale-Carnegie, Franklin-Covey, Dr Dean Ornish, and even Dr. Phil! Most have been in the form of reading a book, some in actual live seminars.
The basis and the beginnings of every one of these focuses on two things: Principles and Values. It may be stated differently in each one, but they all must start with one stating one’s Principles and Values. Whether it be goal setting workshops, diversity training, or 12 - step programs...you must lay the foundation.
From what I have learned so far, including some recent research on the internet, here is what Principles and Values are defined as.
Principles - rules or standards of “good” behavior, a basis for conduct.
Values - beliefs of a person in which they have an emotional investment, what is important to you personally.
For my money, this basically means that you need to apply your principles to get what is valuable to you. There really isn’t a choice here, you naturally apply your principles on a daily basis whether to know it or not. You have principles in which you govern your life even though you haven’t stated them. So, to start any self-improvement or self-awareness process...you must know What You Stand For and Who You Are...Principles and Values.
Some common principles include integrity, tolerance, humility, humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, honesty, responsibility, leadership, and accountability.
Examples of values are family, love, comfort, safety & security, respect, admiration, success, happiness, health, fitness, well-being, and courage.
Of course, sometimes the line between a principle and a value may be a little gray. But if you stick to the basic definitions, the diffference becomes pretty clear.
Also keep in mind that when stating your values, each individual will have a different meaning or definition for, let’s say, wealth or success. The dissection of stated values will ultimately determine what you personally need to do on a daily basis to reach your goals. And that, defining and reaching your goals, is what life is all about...right?
Dr. Steven R. Covey has an interesting and popular take on Principle and Values in his writings including The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. There is a piece called ,Center on Prinicples at this link.
Think about it. Who are you? What do you stand for? I’ll share more tomorrow. You may post your Principles and Values here as a comment, or just write them down. I would love to post some of the results (anonymously of course).
I have involved myself with many so-called self-improvement programs over the years. Some of which were employer-sponsored, others were personal projects to help me improve as a person. I have done most of the Tony Robbins things, as well as Dale-Carnegie, Franklin-Covey, Dr Dean Ornish, and even Dr. Phil! Most have been in the form of reading a book, some in actual live seminars.
The basis and the beginnings of every one of these focuses on two things: Principles and Values. It may be stated differently in each one, but they all must start with one stating one’s Principles and Values. Whether it be goal setting workshops, diversity training, or 12 - step programs...you must lay the foundation.
From what I have learned so far, including some recent research on the internet, here is what Principles and Values are defined as.
Principles - rules or standards of “good” behavior, a basis for conduct.
Values - beliefs of a person in which they have an emotional investment, what is important to you personally.
For my money, this basically means that you need to apply your principles to get what is valuable to you. There really isn’t a choice here, you naturally apply your principles on a daily basis whether to know it or not. You have principles in which you govern your life even though you haven’t stated them. So, to start any self-improvement or self-awareness process...you must know What You Stand For and Who You Are...Principles and Values.
Some common principles include integrity, tolerance, humility, humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, honesty, responsibility, leadership, and accountability.
Examples of values are family, love, comfort, safety & security, respect, admiration, success, happiness, health, fitness, well-being, and courage.
Of course, sometimes the line between a principle and a value may be a little gray. But if you stick to the basic definitions, the diffference becomes pretty clear.
Also keep in mind that when stating your values, each individual will have a different meaning or definition for, let’s say, wealth or success. The dissection of stated values will ultimately determine what you personally need to do on a daily basis to reach your goals. And that, defining and reaching your goals, is what life is all about...right?
Dr. Steven R. Covey has an interesting and popular take on Principle and Values in his writings including The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. There is a piece called ,Center on Prinicples at this link.
Think about it. Who are you? What do you stand for? I’ll share more tomorrow. You may post your Principles and Values here as a comment, or just write them down. I would love to post some of the results (anonymously of course).
posted by James | 8:56 AM
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