Positively change your life and the lives of people around you by practicing the following simple activity every day starting now.
Consider a single common virtue or value, just one for today. Use one of these below or choose your own (and add it to our list by responding with your comments; also, tell us about your experience).
Each day, start your day by choosing a single value from the list and consider the following:
- How has this value been playing out in my life and work recently?
- How would my life be different if I had more ____________? (fill in the blank with your value for the day)
- How can I bring this value more fully to bear today in my relationships, meetings, focus, habits, activities…?
- When I live this value today, what happens?
Courage, Authenticity, Humility, Patience, Gratitude, Service, Forgiveness, Effectiveness, Cause, Contribution, Encouragement, Gentleness, Honesty, Learning, Legacy, Integrity, Joy, Kaizen, Leadership, Listening, Motivation, Partnership, Questions, Trust, Sacredness, Self-Esteem, Rewards, Spontaneity, Vision, Wonder, Beauty, Chemistry, Equality, Encounter, Authenticity, Truth, Faith, Belief, Love, Destiny, Improvisation, Calling, Empathy, Grace, Honor, Bliss, Wholeness, Yin-Yang, Teamwork, Value, Creativity, Silence, Soulwork, Innovation, Respect, Sanctuary, Openness, Mastery, Lightness, Kindness, Justice, Inspiration, Intimacy, Hope, Moderation, Affirmation, Diligence, Consideration, Modesty, Purpose
Write down the value at least once and look at it often, at least before you start your day, sometime near mid-day, and review it before you go to bed at night, as well as before/after scheduled appointments or when you are about to begin a new task. Heck, hang it around you neck if you really want to make a statement (and be accountable to everyone that day)!
Experience how values work on you, and how differently your value begins to work on others.
There are enough individual values here to keep you growing and influencing for three months, by way. And I think you will find many days – and values – worth repeating.
Oh, and did I say to consider a “common” virtue or value? Well, maybe they aren’t so common, but they could be if each of us started practicing this activity daily. Think of the noble spirit and values you would bring into your workplace, into your community, into your church, into your home, into this contentious world… Think of the salt and light you would be adding to the lives of others. Think of the virtuous person you are becoming day after day, month after month, year after year. (Did I mention the values are worth repeating?)
Soon, you will know your Core Values – and others will see them in you, too.
Friends, this is living at The Intersection of Purpose & Now. I hope you will share your experiences with us by commenting to this article after you put your values into practice.
Have an On-Purpose Day!
Intersection of Purpose and Now 