What’s Your Little Thing?
Let’s start with something quite simple. What is one little thing that bugs you? It’s not about what enrages you, but those small annoyances that consistently nag at you. Write it down and feel free to share it, or keep it to yourself. It could be something as specific as the overuse of a word or the inconvenience of your walker catching on runners. Perhaps these small grievances aren’t even worth fixing, yet they linger.
A Step Further: What Delights You?
Move beyond annoyances and think about what delights you. The joy may come from a kind gesture, the productivity of editing travel photos, or spending quality time with loved ones. It’s important to identify these pleasures too.
Aligning with Values
Now, consider what these feelings—of annoyance or delight—represent in terms of your values. For instance, if you’re annoyed by the overuse of “awesome,” it could signify a value of precise communication. Or, if editing travel photos delights you, it might reflect a value of storytelling or preserving memories.
Look at these values and ask yourself: Where else in your life are they present? For instance, the combination of friendship and travel or the simple joy of completion and consideration. This reflection is about recognizing where these values resonate in other aspects of your life.
The Power of Value Alignment
When you align actions with your core values, motivation becomes almost unnecessary. Tasks align with moral beliefs or preferences so intrinsically that little persuasion is needed. For example, individuals who don’t eat meat are aligned with their value system, rendering external motivation irrelevant.
Troubleshooting and Reflection
Consider projects or tasks you’ve been procrastinating on. Is the delay because they aren’t aligned with your values, or do they need more alignment to become motivating? This reflection might also apply to organization-focused values, where simplifying tasks brings peace.
Finding Joy and Connection
I understand that physical limitations, like my own experience with long-haul Covid, can add layers of complexity to embracing values fully. Yet, we can still experience dance, for example, in spirit if not with our bodies.
If certain areas of your life, like writing, seem underrepresented in your values, try to bring them into focus by linking them to your values. Sometimes minor adjustments can imbue tasks with deeper personal significance.
Engage with Your Values
Discovering what irritates and delights you can reveal much about your personal values. Use this insight to enhance parts of your life or address procrastination. Let your values fuel your actions, and enjoy the newfound alignment.
Engage and Share
I would love to hear how these reflections impact you. Feel free to reach out, share your experiences, and consider joining us at TheRealSamBennett.com for more insights and updates. Thank you for reading and engaging with this journey toward value-based living. See you next week!
