Have you ever wondered why you make the decisions you do? What guides your choices when you have to choose between career and family, success and happiness? The answer to these questions may lie in your values, which are the invisible compass that guides you through life. Understanding your value hierarchy is the key to a fuller and more authentic life.
What is the hierarchy of values in the life of a czł person
The hierarchy of values in c1TP1People's lives is an ordered system in which certain values are ranked according to their importance and impact on our decisions and actions. It is an internal structure that helps an individual determine what is most important to him or her and how he or she should manage his or her life to be consistent with his or her own beliefs.
How does the hierarchy of values affect a c1TP1Person's life?
The hierarchy of values plays a key role in shaping a c1TP1Person's life, influencing our decisions, motivation and relationships with others. Knowing one's core values makes it easier to make informed choices that are in line with our beliefs.
With clearly defined priorities, decisions become more coherent, resulting in greater satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment. Values also influence our relationships, enabling us to form deeper bonds with like-minded people and helping us cope with stress and life's difficulties.
A hierarchy of values also acts as an internal compass, guiding our actions and helping us to adapt to changing circumstances. Understanding one's values allows one to live more authentically and pursue goals more effectively, while providing meaning and purpose in everyday choices. The evolution of values, which is a natural part of life, enables us to adapt to new challenges and experiences, fostering continuous personal and professional development.
One's hierarchy of values as an internal compass
Values are not just abstract concepts - they are living, dynamic elements that shape our decisions and actions. They act as an internal compass that helps guide us in our daily lives. They are how we know when to say 'yes' or 'no' and what goals to set. Without an awareness of our values, we can feel lost, frustrated or dissatisfied with the direction we are heading in.
The value paradox - when what we say and what we do diverge
We are often convinced that certain values are most important to us, but our daily decisions may say otherwise. We may declare that work is central to us, but our actions may suggest that family or hobbies are our priority. This discrepancy is called the values paradox. Such discrepancies can lead to internal conflicts, frustration and even stress.
This paradox may result from an unconscious conflict between what we declare and how we actually live. It can also be the result of social pressures, family expectations or professional demands that force us to emphasise values that are not necessarily the most important to us. Understanding which values are really practised and which remain mere idealistic aspirations is crucial to maintaining inner harmony and authenticity.
Your hierarchy of values - from theory to practice
Let's now turn to the practical aspect - how do you create your hierarchy of values? This task may seem overwhelming, but it is extremely valuable. Start by writing down all the values you consider important, let's make it a number of 150. You can use a ready-made list or create your own. Then, through a process of elimination, narrow down the list until you reach a few key values.
Step 1: Preliminary elimination - To start with, remove the 50 values that are currently least important to you. This will leave 100 values on your list.
Step 2: Further selections - continue the elimination process, removing the next 15 values, which will reduce the list to 85. Repeat this process until you reach the 30 most important values.
Step 3: Final selection - After a pause, reduce the list by another 10 values, reaching 20. Then, eliminate 5, 4 and finally 3 values until you are left with the 8 most important ones.
After completing the exercise, reflect on your feelings and reactions. What emotions accompany you as you look at the final list of values? What steps are you taking to realise these values in your life? You may want to write these values down on a small piece of paper and carry it with you to regularly remind yourself of what is most important to you.
Objectives and actions - how to realise values?
Once you have established your core values, it is worth moving on to setting goals to help you realise them. How will you put the value of 'love' into practice? How about calling your loved ones more often or spending more time with your family?
Steps to follow:
- Review of values - return to the three values you have chosen as the most important.
- Definition of objectives - For each of these values, define a specific goal. For example, if the value is 'health', the goal might be 'do 30 minutes of physical activity every day'.
- Action plan - Write down the steps you need to take to achieve each goal. Set deadlines and a way to monitor your progress.
- Reflection - Reflect on your motivation to achieve your goals. Are they realistic? Do you feel inspired?
Values as a dynamic element of life
Values are not static - they change as we grow as individuals and adapt to new circumstances. Being aware of your values allows you to better manage your life and adapt to change. Moral values, such as integrity, may remain constant, but others, such as life priorities, may change.
Why is awareness of the hierarchy of values really important?
Being aware of your own hierarchy of values helps you to lead a full and fulfilling life. Every day we face a myriad of challenges and choices that require us to decide what is most important to us. At such times, a clear hierarchy of values can prove invaluable. While it is possible to do this yourself, the help of a coach or psychologist can facilitate the process and provide valuable guidance.
Why is it so important to know your hierarchy of values?
Above all, clearly defined values help in making key life decisions. For example, when a young person is considering a career choice or a course of study, knowing one's priorities will help them choose whether to pursue success and prestige, or whether to value more a job that is rewarding and has a positive impact on others.
Everyday dilemmas, such as the balance between career and family, success and health, or love and independence, can be much easier to solve when we have clearly defined values. Without this, we can fall into the trap of social expectations and external influences that do not always match our true needs and desires. With a hierarchy of values, it is easier to discover your meaning in life.
What else does knowing your values give you?
Knowing your values also brings self-confidence and resilience to external pressures. We are often influenced by the opinions of others, which can lead to choices that are not in line with our real desires. For example, someone may feel compelled to choose a stable job instead of pursuing a travel dream that is really important to them. Being aware of one's own values helps to avoid such pitfalls and to live in harmony with oneself.
Knowing what is most important to us allows us to make more informed decisions and derive satisfaction from our daily actions. Ultimately, although it may be the case that our choices may not always be understood or accepted by others, the most important thing is that they give us a sense of fulfilment and meaning. Properly understanding and nurturing our values allows us to live authentically, which is a source of true happiness and contentment.
How do you take care of the hierarchy of values in your professional life?
Taking care of the hierarchy of values in one's professional life is key to achieving satisfaction and harmony between work and personal life. In order to effectively manage your priorities and make decisions in line with your values, it is worth investing in personal and professional development.
Our training courses and webinars at the Encounter Group will help you better understand what values are most important to you, and how to integrate them into your daily work. Through our programmes, you will learn how to effectively balance the different areas of your life, allowing you to act in harmony with yourself and enjoy your professional life to the fullest. We especially recommend you:
Regular reflection and coaching - summary
Regularly returning to reflect on your values, especially at times of life change, gives you the confidence to always follow your path. If you are struggling to sort out or understand your values, coaching can be an effective tool in this process.
Remember that your values are the foundation of your life. Consciously defining and nurturing them can bring greater satisfaction and harmony. Your hierarchy of values is not just a list - it is a map that will guide you to an authentic and fulfilled life.
