Live Your Values

“You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.  You've got to be your own man, not a puppet on a string.  Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name.  You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything” ~You’ve Got To Stand For Something

To value means to appreciate something; to place priority on someone or some thing.    Have you stopped lately to take stock of your values?  I know this may be old fashioned but I believe that a life founded upon your values can lead to great happiness and success. 

Our values determine our actions and where we invest our time.  Values often shine in times of controversy.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."   Who you truly are will be exhibited under pressure.

Your actions each week will show what you truly value.  If you value your faith, then you will make it a priority to attend church on a regular basis.  If you value service, you will find ways each week to make a difference in the lives of others.  If you value family and friends, you will make an effort to call them or spend time with them on a regular basis.  Are you following me?  Your values will impact your actions.

On my wall, I have a list of my values.  Things such as God, helping others, agriculture, family, community, and education are on this list.  I also include character traits such as integrity, respect, and responsibility.  I post this list on my wall to remind me each and every day to live my values.  I often find that when I am most stressed, worried, and unhappy, I have not been fully including my values in my life.  Back in August, I began graduate school at NCSU.  During these few weeks, I have been reading a lot, working on homework, and going to class.  I began to feel unhappy and not quite right.  I read through my values list again and realized that while working on classwork, I had forgotten to spend time with friends and family.  Last week, I made an effort to spend much more time with them.  It was the best week I’ve had all semester! 

Consider your values.  What do you appreciate most in your life?  Write these down somewhere where you will see them on a regular basis.  If you live your life founded upon a core set of values, I believe you will find success in life and I will see you on the highway to success!