Written by: Beth Rohani, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In 2012, someone asked me a seemingly simple yet a quite challenging question: "What are your core values, and what is your passion?" At that moment, I found myself at a loss for words, struggling to articulate the essence of who I am as a person. In this article, allow me to share my journey to self-reflection and how it can help you discover your core values.
The transformative power of self-discovery
It took me since 2012 to figure out how to express my beliefs and values in the complex journey of self-discovery. Through self-reflection, I went on a transformative journey that not only clarified my principles but also helped me understand the importance of surrounding myself with like-minded individuals.
The art of communicating personal values
As I thought deeply about myself, I understood that understanding who we are goes beyond casually recognizing our values; it's about expressing them in a way that connects with our core. The process of self-expression is as much about understanding our values as it is about communicating them effectively to others.
How values shape day-to-day life
Identifying my core values allowed me to draw a roadmap for my day-to-day life, shaping my identity and influencing the choices I make. This newfound clarity became a lens through which I evaluated the relationships in my life. I discerned between those that aligned with my values and those that did not.
Surrounding ourselves with like-minded souls
The significance of the people we surround ourselves with became abundantly clear. The relationships we cultivate have the power to shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It became imperative for me to distinguish between positive influences that nurtured my growth and negative forces that hindered my journey.
Making tough decisions for personal growth
Not every revelation during this self-discovery journey was easy to digest. Some relationships had to be reevaluated and, in some instances, let go. It was a challenging process, but it was vital for my personal growth. I realized that in order to maintain control over my beliefs and actions, I needed to be deliberate about the company I keep.
The power of those around us
It's a simple truth: the people around us influence our perspective and shape our reality. If negativity seeps into our relationships, it can erode our sense of self. I made a conscious decision to distance myself from influences that did not align with my values, creating a space where I could truly be myself and foster personal growth.
The courage to stay true
Staying true to oneself requires resilience. It demands the courage to stick to your guns, even in the face of challenges. However, it's essential to remain open to growth and change, not for the sake of conformity, but to embrace constructive criticism that leads to self-improvement.
Steps to discover your core values through self-reflection
1. Carve out dedicated time for introspection
Begin your journey by setting aside specific, uninterrupted time for self-reflection. This could be a quiet evening, a weekend retreat, or any period where you can focus solely on understanding yourself.
2. Pose thoughtful questions
Ask yourself probing questions that delve into your beliefs, principles, and priorities.
Consider queries such as, "What matters most to me in life?" or "What principles guide my decision-making?"
3. Identify past moments of fulfillment
Reflect on past experiences where you felt genuinely fulfilled and content. Identify the values associated with those moments, as they often provide insights into your core beliefs and priorities.
4. Assess your current lifestyle
Examine your current daily routines, relationships, and activities. Consider which aspects align with your sense of purpose and fulfillment, and which might be
incongruent with your values.
5. Explore personal strengths and weaknesses
Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Acknowledge instances where you excelled and times when you faced challenges. Assess the values that contributed to your successes and the ones that might have hindered your progress.
6. Utilize self-expression tools
Engage in activities that encourage self-expression, such as journaling, art, or even conversation with a trusted friend. Use these tools to articulate your thoughts and feelings about your beliefs and values.
7. Visualize your ideal life
Imagine your ideal life without any external influences or societal expectations. Envision the kind of person you want to become and the values that would define that version of yourself.
8. Analyze meaningful relationships
Evaluate the relationships in your life that bring you joy and fulfillment. Identify the common values shared with those individuals and consider why these connections are meaningful to you.
9. Be open to change and growth
Recognize that core values can evolve over time. Be open to change and growth, especially if you encounter new perspectives or experiences that challenge or refine your existing beliefs.
10. Reflect on feedback and criticism
Consider feedback and criticism you've received from others. While not all feedback is constructive, some insights may offer valuable perspectives that contribute to your self-awareness and personal growth.
11. Create a list of prioritized values
Compile a list of the values that resonate with you the most. Prioritize them based on their significance in shaping your identity and guiding your decisions.
12. Align your actions with your values
Implement your identified core values into your daily life. Make conscious decisions that align with these values, whether in your personal relationships, career choices, or other aspects of your life.
13. Regularly revisit and reassess
Self-discovery is an ongoing process. Periodically revisit and reassess your core values to ensure they continue to align with your evolving self and life circumstances.
By following these steps, you'll embark on a journey of self-discovery, gaining clarity on your core values.
In conclusion, the journey of self-reflection is an ongoing process that requires patience, honesty, and courage. Knowing who you are as a person is not a static state; it evolves with every experience and lesson life offers. Surround yourself with those who uplift and inspire you, and don't be afraid to let go of relationships that hinder your personal growth. Ultimately, being true to yourself is more than a saying; it's a promise to lead a fulfilling and authentic life.
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Beth Rohani, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Beth Rohani leads the No. 1 moving company serving the Houston Multi-Family Industry and her company is considered one of Top 3 Best Rated Moving Companies in Houston. As a first generation Iranian-American, former TV news assignments editor and CEO of a transportation and logistics based business in a male-dominated industry, Beth embraces the stereotypes while inspiring and mentoring others to build a successful business with a balance to live their best life.
