Guide on how to Identifying, Redefining, and Reorganizing Values

Guide to Identifying, Redefining, and Reorganizing Values

By : Mukadam Olaitan Ajetunmobi

6/20/20242 min read

two women standing in front of a white board with sticky notes on it
two women standing in front of a white board with sticky notes on it

Guide on how to Identifying, Redefining, and Reorganizing Values

Values are the principles and standards that guide our behavior and decision-making. According to Dr. John Demartini, understanding and aligning with our true values can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. This guide provides a structured approach to identifying, redefining, and reorganizing your values to achieve personal and professional growth.

Step 1: Identifying Your Core Values

1.1 Reflect on Daily Activities and Interests

  • Activity Log: Keep a diary for a week, noting how you spend your time. Focus on activities that energize and engage you.

  • Passion Points: Identify topics or activities you frequently think about, read about, or discuss with enthusiasm.

  • What are the things that you place high worth in your life? What are the things that you hold in high regard in your life?

1.2 Assessing Your Environment

  • Physical Space: Look at your living and working spaces. What objects, decorations, and books are present? These often reflect your values.

  • Financial Spend: Review your spending habits. Where you invest your money can indicate what you value most.

1.3 Analyzing Relationships and Social Interactions

  • People and Conversations: Consider the people you spend the most time with and the nature of your conversations. The relationships you nurture often align with your values.

  • Feedback from Others: Ask trusted friends or colleagues what they see as your core values based on your behavior and priorities.

Step 2: Redefining Values

2.1 Prioritizing Values

  • Ranking Exercise: List your identified values and rank them in order of importance. Be honest about what truly matters most to you.

  • Clarity through Contrast: Compare each value against the others to see which holds more significance in different scenarios.

2.2 Aligning Values with Vision

  • Vision Statement: Write a vision statement for your life. Ensure that your values align with this long-term vision.

  • Goal Alignment: Check if your current goals reflect your top values. Adjust your goals to better align with what you value most.

2.3 Authenticity Check

  • Authentic Self: Evaluate if your values are truly yours or influenced by external factors (society, family, culture). Refine your values to reflect your authentic self.

  • Value Conflicts: Identify any conflicts between your values and actions. Make necessary adjustments to bring them into harmony.

Step 3: Reorganizing Values

3.1 Integrating Values into Daily Life

  • Action Plan: Develop an action plan to incorporate your top values into your daily routine. Set specific, actionable steps.

  • Value-Based Decisions: Use your values as a filter for decision-making. Choose actions and opportunities that align with your core values.

3.2 Building Habits around Values

  • Habit Formation: Establish habits that support and reflect your values. For example, if health is a value, develop a consistent exercise routine.

  • Accountability: Partner with a mentor or coach to hold you accountable for living in accordance with your values.

3.3 Periodic Review and Adjustment

  • Regular Reflection: Schedule regular intervals (monthly or quarterly) to review your values and their impact on your life.

  • Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your values as you grow and evolve. Life changes may bring new insights into what you value most.

Conclusion

By systematically identifying, redefining, and reorganizing your values, you can create a life that is more aligned with your true self. Our approach emphasizes self-awareness and intentional living, guiding you to make choices that resonate with your deepest principles. This alignment not only enhances personal fulfillment but also empowers you to contribute meaningfully to the world around you.