Understanding who you are as an individual is key to being able to move forward with confidence, belief in yourself and your capabilities to manage change. But identifying our own value system as adults can be a challenge. When most people are asked about their own value system, they are unsure about what their individual “values” really are.
We were all raised with a set of values, spoken or not, important to our family, community and culture. Time now to reflect on which ones you have unconsciously absorbed and clung to, which ones you’ve outgrown, and what you have claimed as your own personal foundation. Lots of good value assessments are on line – and free! Just browse “free value assessment” and check them out! Usually, you will take the Values Assessment in less than 10 minutes and they will send you an overview of your values to the email you provide.
Our strengths are probably the easiest to identify – we’ve put them to work over the years in a variety of challenges. We know what we can count on, within ourselves. And often, people who know us well have commented or noticed one or more of our particular strengths.
Talents are an entirely different matter – unless we have been wildly successful in some area, we generally don’t believe we are talented at all – talents are reserved for the chosen few. Not true ! We each have things that come quite easily to us, that we enjoy doing and have the curiosity to pursue – these are our talents. If it doesn’t bring you joy, even if you’re good at it, it’s really not a talent.
I have a large family and have cooked extensively over the years. I’m fairly good at it but it no longer brings me joy, I’m no longer curious about it. It was more a necessity than anything else. But here are 2 examples: a dear friend of mine who was an excellent pleinaire painter was asked (when in her 90’s) what her best painting was. Her reply, with a grin – “I haven’t done it yet!” There’s joy and curiosity! Another friend, who is known for her delicious deliveries from her kitchen and loves the art of cooking, just celebrated her 70th birthday and her kids created a lovely tribute book to her, filled with stories and photos of how her talent, over the years, impacted the lives of friends and family, in moments of joy, sorrow and need. And she loves every moment in her creative kitchen, as she bakes and stirs joy for others.
The exercises in our book surrounding these topics are challenging – and therefore worthwhile doing. You’ll be amazed at what you learn about the unique person that you are.
Ask Yourself:
Any values you would rearrange, move up or down the ladder of importance?
What do you see as your most valuable strength?
What talents are you willing to claim and develop? And bring you joy?
As you go through the week, try to be aware of what strengths and talents you are using to get things done each day. And what values drive you to action… You’ll be amazed!
Patty and Suzanne