How Understanding Your Personal Values Can Support Wellbeing and Drive Sustainable Productivity
Do you know what your values are?
Personal values are your unwritten rules for living a fulfilling life. They define your ideal behaviours, act as guiding principles, and influence your decisions. Understanding and embracing your values is not just about self-awareness; it’s about enhancing your wellbeing and driving productivity in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Most people have an inherent sense of their core values, even if they haven’t clearly articulated them.
The Link Between Values and Wellbeing-Driven Productivity
Personal values play an essential role in wellbeing-driven productivity.
While productivity is often measured by the amount of work completed, this perspective can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction if it’s not aligned with what truly matters to you.
Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity ethos offers a complementary approach, emphasising the importance of doing fewer things better and avoiding the trap of constant busyness. Much like slow productivity, wellbeing-driven productivity prioritises the quality and meaningfulness of your work, ensuring that your efforts resonate with your values.
When your actions align with your values, you experience a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction. This alignment helps you decide where you work, what projects you take on, and how you manage your time. For example, if one of your values is “family”, you might prioritise work that allows for flexible hours or remote working opportunities, ensuring you have time for those you love. Similarly, if “lifelong learning” is a core value, you might seek opportunities for continuous education or choose projects that challenge you to grow.
How to Identify Your Personal Values
Identifying your values is the first step in aligning your work and life with what matters most. Although we all have a variety of values, it’s often helpful to narrow them down to four or five that are most significant to you.
To start, think about moments when you felt most fulfilled and content. What values were you honouring at that time? Was it honesty in a situation where you spoke your truth, or perhaps courage when you took a bold step towards a new career? Reflect on these moments and the values they represent.
Here are some examples of values to consider:
Honesty
Equity
Patience
Wellbeing
Lifelong learning
Courage
Faith
Integrity
Family
Community
Strength
Teamwork
Service
Focus
Originality
Once you’ve identified your values, consider how they influence your daily decisions. For instance, my values are equity, wellbeing, lifelong learning, and service. These values have guided my personal and professional development and led to two major career moves.
Putting Your Values into Action
The real power of knowing your values comes from putting them into action. When you know what’s important to you, you can make intentional choices that align with these values, leading to a more satisfying and productive life. For example, if “equity” is one of your values, you might advocate for fair treatment in your workplace or work with organisations prioritising diversity and inclusion.
It’s also important to regularly reassess your values as you grow and change. Life experiences can shift our priorities, and what was once a core value might evolve over time. By staying connected to your values, you ensure that your actions and decisions continue to reflect who you truly are.
Over to You
So, do you know your personal values? How do they guide your decisions and actions? I’d love to hear how you’ve integrated your values into your work and life. Share your thoughts, and let’s continue this conversation.
