Let Your Values Drive Your Choices
Almost every challenge we encounter is temporary, but its effects often result in immediate discomfort. Unfortunately, we frequently allow this discomfort to dictate our decisions and actions.
For instance:
- A worker feeling undervalued or lacking authority might accept an undesirable job offer simply because it comes with an impressive title.
- Someone experiencing feelings of neglect, underappreciation, or misunderstanding might seek to alleviate their pain by betraying their partner.
- An entrepreneur grappling with the struggles of a struggling small business might resort to ethically questionable marketing strategies in an attempt to boost sales.
These situations lead us to make choices that we wouldn't typically consider. When we allow our problems to guide our decisions, we often make concessions or opt for "just this once" solutions to alleviate immediate discomfort, irritation, or uncertainty.
How can we steer clear of this pitfall and make decisions that serve our long-term interests while addressing short-term discomfort?
One approach I've been experimenting with involves the following steps. Consider giving it a try and see if it resonates with you...
Let Your Values Drive Your Choices
One strategy I've been implementing involves prioritizing my values when making decisions. This doesn't mean disregarding other factors in the decision-making process; rather, it involves integrating my core values into my considerations.
For instance, when faced with a business challenge, instead of solely asking, "Will this generate profit?" I also inquire, "Does this align with my values?" and then, "Will this be profitable?"
If the answer is no to either question, I explore alternative options.
The concept behind this approach is that by living and working in harmony with our values, we're more likely to lead a life that aligns with our principles, rather than one filled with regrets.
The Power of a Constraint You Believe In
Every decision we make operates within certain limitations. These constraints could be related to factors such as the extent of our knowledge, financial resources, or available assets. So why not include our values among these constraints?
Improving decision-making often involves selecting better constraints. By narrowing down our options to those that align with our values, we're taking a crucial step towards ensuring that our actions are consistent with our beliefs. Moreover, working within constraints can enhance our creativity.
How to Put This Into Practice
Many individuals overlook the importance of reflecting on their values, putting them into writing, and refining them. Perhaps they perceive the process as overly simplistic or unnecessary.
For me, creating my Integrity Report in 2014 marked the first occasion where I took the time to articulate my values and connect them directly to my professional endeavors.
Feel free to utilize my Integrity Report as a model for uncovering your own values and integrating them into both your career and personal life.
The Bottom Line
If you fail to take the time to contemplate your values, you're more likely to make decisions solely based on the available information in the moment, potentially leading to regrets in the future.
Life presents us with intricate situations where we often must make choices with incomplete information, both in our personal and professional lives. While the instinct may be to seek more knowledge or research, what's often needed is a clear understanding of our values.
As the quote by Aesop suggests, yielding to others constantly can result in a loss of personal principles. Without a firm grasp on our values and direction, it becomes easy to stray off course, waste time on unnecessary pursuits, or justify actions that deviate from our beliefs.
There are individuals of great intelligence and moral character, with beloved families, who find themselves in dire circumstances because they made decisions driven by immediate pain rather than their core values.
Allowing your values to guide your decisions is paramount.
