Are You Living Life to Its Fullest by Holding on to Your Values?
December 30th, 2005 (Stress Relief)
People are happiest and most fulfilled when their lives are consistent with their highest values and also their innermost convictions. Unfortunately there are many of us whom are experiencing high levels of stress because we are inundated with daily loads of experiences which we would rather not be dealing with.
Such experiences are the result of having our thoughts persuaded by television, radio, newspapers, advertisements, people, family, social expectations, etc. All of these examples have a way of influencing us to compromise who we are as a person and what we do.
Stress and unhappiness arise when some part of our life is compromising our values that we feel is our core being. The two biggest factors that contributes to this stress is being in an unhappy career that causes us to compromise our values or being in relationships that causes use to loose site of our personal values. You can resolve most of your stress issues by returning to the values that are most important to you.
All of our values are organized as sort of a hierarchy. There are values that are higher than others for each of us. You could also categorize your values as primary values, secondary, etc.
Those of who are stresses in life do not consider that the loss of this hierarchy of values we possess could be the root cause. So how do we take a closer look at this? Take stock of your behaviors. You demonstrate your values in your behaviors. What you say to the world is irrelevant, it is what you do that shows everyone, including yourself, what it is that you truly believe in.
This is especially true when we are forced into a situation where we have to choose. Anyone can express high and noble values when there is nothing to loose. But when the stakes are high and there is a price to pay, or a sacrifice to make, you will see people reveal their true inner selves and their core beliefs.
Do not fall into the trap of loosing your ability to stick to your true beliefs and stressing yourself to end. Start by asking yourself a few questions. What are your core values? What is it that you believe in? What is it that you stand for? What is it that you refuse to stand for? What are your inner most convictions? The truth in which you answer these questions will help determine how happy and stress-free you can become in both your career and your personal life.