PART 1: VALUES
People of integrity act in accordance with the values they profess.
"∫Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action."
– 1 John 3:18.
Values are only ideas until they are realized into action. Values are just a vision or an intangible dream until we do the hard work it takes to realize them. I value faith, morality, fortitude, compassion and self-control. The virtues I prize and seek to display are the fruits of the spirit- these virtues I value above all else.
Character and integrity are esteemed and sought after by many because they come about through hard work and perseverance through trials and challenges. I wrote some time ago the following phrase to reflect some difficult times I experienced in my life. “I am not defined by my triumphs but am defined more significantly by my moments of weakness and my tenacity to overcome.” Integrity and character are defined in the moments that we walk through fire and we come out the other side as a more pure substance — all the impurities are burned away and we are left with our core values- strengthened and polished with trial and tribulation.
My question then becomes, how can we best create sustainable value-based checks and balances on our beliefs? How can we assure that we are acting in accordance with our beliefs and values? I think the only measurable and tangible way to accomplish this task is to hold one's self accountable by writing down personal short and/or long-term goals.
In Dean Linda Livingstone's Creating and Leading Teams course, she held a panel of guest speakers of persons in top management and leadership positions. These people came from diverse backgrounds, however, they each were extremely successful at their given field and are admirable and inspiring in their vast achievements. One thing these successful people had in common was their use of written goals on a note-card or piece of paper that was kept in a jacket-pocket, purse, etc. These goals ranged from short-term goals to very specific, and seemingly intangible, long-term goals. However, the magic formula may be in the written form of such goals — so a form of accountability is present that realigns our actions and daily tasks with our values and goals which we seek to accomplish most. It seemed to work wonders for these top management persons in their obtainment of personal success.
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