Test Your Values

25 March 2024

Understanding and aligning with our core values is fundamental to a flourishing career, particularly for the benefits it brings to decision making.  However, it is not uncommon to adopt values that may not authentically reflect who we are at our essence.  These are values that we think we should have, but deep down they are not on a solid foundation.  Taking time to test this foundation and scrutinise the values you hold can ensure they truly resonate and guide you to make decisions that truly support you.

Pull out the values you uncovered from our previous discussion and let's embark on the next phase of our values exploration: testing the authenticity of these values.

Systematically work through the follow questions with each of your shortlisted values:

• Financial Temptation Test: Would you sacrifice this value for a significant monetary gain, such as a million dollars?
• Longevity Test: Can you envision upholding this value steadfastly two decades from now?
• Future Self Test: Will the person you aspire to become embody this value?
• Past Accountability Test: Have you knowingly compromised this value in the past (even a little bit)?
• Sacrifice Test: Would you disregard this value if adhering to it placed you at a significant disadvantage?
• Aspiration Test: Is this value something you genuinely aspire to embody?
• Job Test: Would you change jobs rather than give up this value, even if it negatively impacted you career?

Reflect deeply on each question and your responses.  The following will help you navigate your reflection:

Questions 1, 4, 5, or 6: If you find yourself answering "yes," it's time to reconsider the authenticity of this value.
Questions 2, 3, or 7: Conversely, if your response to any of these questions is "no," it's a signal to reassess the significance of this value in your life's narrative.

Next post we have one final test of your values then you will be able to construct a core list that you know deeply reflects your essence. 

As always, wishing you a flourishing career.

Katherine