issue 06 / Uğur Erogul
“If values live in words and not in substance, rules lose their meaning over time in the family, school and society.” – Doğan Cüceloğlu
Let’s start by understanding what values mean.
According to Wikipedia, in ethics and social sciences, value denotes the degree of importance of some thing or action, with the aim of determining which actions are best to do or what way is best to live (normative ethics in ethics), or to describe the significance of different actions. Value systems are prospective and prescriptive beliefs; they affect the ethical behaviour of a person or are the basis of their intentional activities.
In addition to this, Dr John Demartini is saying in his book “The Value Factor” that what you feel deprived of in your life determines what you value.
Values are the guiding principles or beliefs that influence our behaviour and decisions. They are just like our life compasses which help us find our meaningful way.
Please think for a while about your happiest moment:
- What kind of feelings do you have?
- How is your appearance while living that moment?
- Which are your needs being satisfied?
Please also think for a while about your saddest moment:
- What kind of feelings do you have?
- How is your appearance while living that moment?
- Which are your needs not being satisfied?
Please write your answers and try to explore what kind of values are hiding in your answers.
It is known that basic values can vary depending on cultural, societal, and individual perspectives. However, there are certain values that are commonly considered fundamental across different cultures and belief systems such as honesty, integrity, love, respect, responsibility, compassion, fairness, gratitude, justice, courage, and joy.
Values are important because they provide a sense of direction and purpose. They help us prioritise what is profoundly important to us and make decisions that align with our beliefs. Values also promote personal growth and fulfilment, as living in alignment with our values brings a sense of happiness and satisfaction.
Research is shown that values are linked with important concepts:
Working on exploring our values and building a life full of our values also brings more satisfaction, success, happiness, and health to our lives. In addition to this, finding meaning of life and personal life purpose start with realising our values.
Furthermore, values play a significant role in our relationships. Having shared values with others fosters a sense of trust and understanding, while conflicting values can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Identifying and honouring our values allows us to build strong connections with like-minded individuals, whether it is in friendships, partnerships, or communities. So, please implement this simple method as shown below when you feel uncomfortable where you belong:
I would like to emphasise one more important concept regarding values which is “core values”. Core values are the values who are more prioritised and meaningful in our lives. And to identify our core values, we can follow these simple steps:
1. Reflect on your experiences: Think about moments in your life when you felt truly fulfilled, proud, or satisfied. Consider the actions, beliefs, or principles that were important to you during those times. This reflection can give you clues about your core values.
2. Consider your priorities: Take a look at how you allocate your time, energy, and resources. Assess what aspects of your life are most important to you. For example, do you prioritise family, career, creativity, or personal development? These priorities can indicate your underlying values.
3. Identify what resonates with you: Pay attention to what deeply resonates with you on an emotional level. What causes or issues do you feel passionate about? What do you strongly believe in? These emotional responses often point towards your core values.
4. Question your decision-making: Reflect on the decisions you make and the factors that influence them. What criteria do you use to make choices? Do these criteria align with any specific values? This introspection can help you identify the values that play a role in your decision-making process.
5. Use self-assessment exercises: There are various resources available, such as online quizzes or self-assessment tools, designed to help you identify your core values. Engaging in these exercises can provide you with a clearer understanding of your values.
Please remember that identifying core values is a personal and individual process. It may require some introspection and self-discovery over time. Be open to exploration and review your values periodically as your priorities and experiences may evolve.
While finalising my words, I wish a great life to all of us full of our core values…
