Let me prove to you that this idea of identity and core values is fundamental, and you use it every day, whether you realize it or not. There's no mature, clear-minded person who isn't trying to make their most important choices and decisions based on their strongest beliefs. We all do it. It's fundamental. It's just true.
All of us are battling to keep our emotions under control and to keep our feelings from causing us to make bad choices. Our spouse or our friends and family are trying to help us with this in our lives. Yes, we are all trying to make our most important choices and decisions based on our values.
If my observation is accurate, then why aren't more people focused on establishing a solid idea of their personal identity and choosing and organizing their core values so they can be connected to what they believe more authentically and use their values in a more powerful way in their lives?
So many of us decide what we will do next based on momentum as if our future rests in the hand of fate alone. In the culture that we live in today, so many people's principal aim is to get motivated. I get asked the question all the time,” How do I get motivated? How do I stay motivated?” I believe that motivation that's not connected to a foundation of values and identity is wasted.
What about setting goals? Goal setting is a valuable tool. Yes, we need to set goals, but goals that aren't connected to a foundation of core values and identity is getting the cart before the horse. We have all failed to reach the goals that we have set. If you haven't, then you haven't been setting your goals correctly. Goals are supposed to stretch us and give us a high bar to aim at. Values are intended to anchor us and be the compass that keeps us on course as we take the purposeful risks necessary to reach our potential and grow.
Developing practical mindset tools, systems, and habits is also vital. However, in my own life, if I am principally focused on sticking to the rules, developing good habits, or working my systems, I end living robotically and my interpersonal relationships get neglected. Mindset tools, systems, habits, and rules are vital to reaching our potential, and living a successful life. Still, if they become our principal aim, we will surely miss the purpose and value in the relationships with our families and the other people we are responsible for.
Developing a vision for your life must start with a clear understanding of your identity and a working knowledge of your core values. To quickly make the choices and decisions that keep your life moving forward in a purposeful way, your goals, habits, systems, and motivation must be built on the solid foundation of core values.
Choose your Values! Establish your Identity! Write your Code!
Keep Coming Forward!
Jim Hensel
Mayhem Mindset Creator
