I have taught many of my clients about the importance of understanding your Core Values. They are the absolute foundation to creating real relationships… and I mean any relationship. We spend much of our adult life frustrated and riddled with bad decisions because we consistently compromise on . The strange and irritating part is that we usually compromise and not even know it.
Blue Collar Mindset
I often talk of having a “Blue Collar” Mindset. One that makes decisions based on emotion, fear, guilt and shame. A Mindset forever trying to be nice instead of fair. Well, part of that Blue Collar Mindset is that all we have is emotion, fear, guilt and shame. We were never given the proper tools as children to understand what our Core Values should be. We don’t have any concrete or real reference to make the right decision. Fundamental values of what we actually believe and will die on, are the foundation for every decision. If the decision you are about to make compromises what you truly believe in then it will be a bad decision and often lead to a wrong decision.
A “bad” decision and a “wrong” decision
I have to back up a little to help you understand the difference between a “bad” decision and a “wrong” decision. A bad decision is usually one that can be rectified within a brief amount of time. Think of it as making a right turn instead of a left. A wrong decision distracts you from your real goal or true direction. Think of this as marrying someone when you were drunk in Vegas. One has minimum consequences and the other has recurring and sometimes devastating consequences. The first takes minutes to get back on track. The latter can take years to recover. Big difference.
It’s not impossible.
Back to Core Values… imagine having the power to make every decision the “right” decision. It’s not impossible. When you write down and truly understand what your “CORE VALUES” are, it makes it nearly impossible to make a bad decision. As long as you ask, “How is this going to enhance my life, and does it compromise, or go against any of my core values?” If the answer in “no” to “enhancing your life” or “yes” to compromising on Core Values then it’s an easy decision to say no.
When you are honest with yourself and have a true grasp of your Core Values, you can immediately see how your life can automatically be void of frustration, disappointment, and anger. If you can’t… read this over a couple more times until it clicks… download and more importantly, listen to the.mp3 below (it was recorded during an actual session I did with a client). I have also included a “Core Values Worksheet” to download and print so you can begin your journey to making better decisions.
Download My Core Values Worksheet Here