Why are values important?
Why are values important?
Values are deeply held beliefs and principles that shape our attitudes, choices, and actions. They serve as a guide for behaviour by providing a framework that helps us determine what is important, meaningful, and ethical in our lives.
Perhaps the most important thing to understand about values is that we begin to accumulate values at a very early age, usually around the age of 10. These are ‘passed down ‘to us almost unknowingly by the people we spend time with; authority figures, parents, teachers, friends and religious leaders. Psychologists often refer to these values as ‘introjects’. They guide our lives, the friends we chose, how we behave in school and our future job and career choices.
The second most important thing to understand about values is that they change through the life cycle. In our 40s and 50s, life can sometimes feel disconnected, and people can feel lost. This is usually because they haven’t realised that what is of value has changed are they are continuing to live their life and allow their choices to be guided by values which they have outgrown. It is important to consciously reflect in midlife and consider you current values and align your life in accordance with them if you want your life to feel meaningful.
Here’s how values influence and guide behaviour:
Decision-making: Values play a crucial role in decision-making processes. When faced with choices or dilemmas, our values help us evaluate the options and make decisions that align with what we believe is right or important. Values act as a moral compass, guiding us to act in accordance with our principles.
Prioritisation: Values help us prioritise our actions and allocate our time, energy, and resources. When we are clear about our values, we can identify what matters most to us and make choices that reflect those priorities. Values assist in determining what we invest our efforts in and what we consider as meaningful or fulfilling.
Consistency and integrity: Values provide a foundation for consistency and integrity in our behaviour. When our actions align with our values, we experience a sense of authenticity and integrity. Living in alignment with our values helps us build trust with others and maintain a coherent sense of self.
Goal setting and achievement: Values can guide the goals we set and the paths we choose to achieve them. Our values influence the direction we want to take in life, the milestones we strive for, and the actions we take to attain them. Goals that are congruent with our values are more likely to motivate us and provide a sense of purpose.
Interactions and relationships: Values shape the way we interact with others and the quality of our relationships. When our values align with those of others, it can foster deeper connections and mutual understanding. Values also help us establish boundaries and navigate conflicts, ensuring that our behaviour remains true to our beliefs.
Ethical considerations: Values are intertwined with ethics, guiding our behaviour in terms of what we consider right and wrong. They provide a moral framework that influences our choices and actions, helping us navigate ethical dilemmas and act in ways that are consistent with our moral principles.
It’s important to note that individuals may prioritise and interpret values differently. What matters most to one person may not hold the same significance for another. Understanding and clarifying our own values can enhance self-awareness, promote congruent behaviour, and contribute to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
