You ever wake up in the morning, look at yourself in the mirror and wonder, who the hell am I?
Life is a gift. How we choose to live it should reflect our values. These values guide our decisions and actions. They also define the way others see us.
So what does this mean for you and your company?
It means that your brand not only stems from your words, they also stem from your actions. Thankfully, we can guide both. So how do we know what we’re pushing out?
1. Reflect on your own values
As the old saying goes, “Live every day as if it were your last.”
Imagine if you were to die tomorrow, what values would you hope people would say you lived by?
While none of us can predict our exact lifespans, it’s a thought-provoking exercise to consider which values you would want people to associate with your life.
These values serve as a guiding light, helping you make decisions that align with your principles, both in your personal and professional life.
2. What do your customers say
You should care about the people you serve. Knowing what values your customers associate with your services is crucial.
If you were to ask your clients about the top three values they experienced while working with you, what would they choose?
By understanding the values that resonate with your customers, you can better tailor your business approach to meet their needs.
3. Who do you care about
Consider the three people you admire most in your life. What is it about them that earns your admiration?
Chances are, they possess values that are in alignment with your own. These could be values like dependability, commitment, honesty, or integrity.
The people we admire often reflect our own aspirations and the principles we hold dear. Recognising these shared values can help us shape our own actions and decisions.
4. What matters more than money
Cold hard cash is important. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
But while financial success is undoubtedly a motivator for running a business, it’s important to dig deeper and identify the other values that drive your business.
Why do you want to run your business beyond monetary gain? Is it about gaining more time, the freedom to enjoy life, or spending more time with loved ones? Is it rooted in a desire to share knowledge and educate others?
Understanding the underlying values that fuel your business aspirations can provide a sense of purpose and direction that goes beyond profit.
Final thoughts
Values serve as the foundation upon which we build our decisions and actions.
Take the time to identify your values, evaluate the values of those you admire, and align your business goals with what truly matters to you.
In doing so, you’ll find that living your values is not only a path to personal fulfillment but a key to long-term success in your professional life.
And that makes for a much better eulogy!
