Self-esteem is defined as confidence in one’s own worth and abilities. But if you don’t have crystal clear clarity on your strengths and skills nor are you living a life where you are experiencing confidence in your gifts every day – then it is clear that your values are out of alignment.
It is clear that the way you see yourself – your ‘identity’ will either move you towards your goals or away from them. As such, your identity will contribute to your sense of self-esteem and affect numerous areas of your life, such as:
1) Decisions making;
2) Confidence;
3) Goal achievement;
4) Relationships;
5) Re-active rather than proactive; and
6) Lack of direction;
Self-esteem is defined as the confidence in one’s own worth and abilities. But if you don’t have crystal clear clarity on your strength’s and skills nor are you living a life where you are experiencing confidence in your gifts everyday – then it is clear that your values are out of alignment.
Let me give you an example, I remember wanting to be a Doctor or an Engineer when I was a kid growing up in India. But on introspection, it was what the Indian society intended for me NOT what I truly wanted and therefore I was conflicted inside.
Ultimately, my career values were misguided, in fact it wasn’t ‘my’ true values at all, it was someone else’s values. Therefore, it left me disappointed and frustrated until I redefined my values and started bringing values and actions into alignment.
Our values set come from numerous place including:
- Society;
- Culture;
- Experiences; and
- Family.
This helps us form an opinion about ourselves and what we do is that we take this opinion and make it our identity. Not realising that it may not be congruent with our true desires and goals.
I would like to ask you to take some time and ponder this – because if this true, for anyone of you, then you are not leading a fulfilling life – but rather, just following the rules.
What we value is the fundamental foundation that helps us see clearly where we are headed, make better decisions and clear the clutter in our mind.
A life built upon old values is as weak as attempting to build a new building upon old foundations.
When you update old values (which gave you old results) to new values sets, which you have carefully chosen to help you navigate your life successfully only then will you start to unlock your hidden potential.
It takes courage and discipline to acknowledge that your outdated values that served you for the last season will no longer support or energise you for the next.
Every leader should complete a Values Alignment Diagnostic at least once a year to determine how aligned your leadership, team and strategic values are with the vision. Contact a consultant on 1800 455 679 or e-mail ilse@purposesync.com to arrange a meeting.
