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Education

StreetSmarts SM

It all begins with values and purpose

By Marc Beauchamp Values
Bankcard Life Milton Rokeach, a well-known values expert, defines
values as "modes of organizing conduct – meaningful
n my last article I shared 10 distinctions that are invested pattern principles that guide human action.
foundational to becoming a high performer. The They are real determinants of behavior, acting as the
first distinction is to live from a place of alignment criteria by which goals (and means) are chosen among
I with your values and purpose. People who have alternatives…Values and their hierarchical arrangements
gotten the results they were striving for don't just know thus are observable as choices; they provide a means of
their values and purpose: they live them. studying all human action in a way that culture in its
strict normative sense cannot".
To discover your purpose, you must first determine
what core values and ideals will guide you. Values are He also made five assumptions about the nature of human
what we stand for, the compass by which we live. Every values:
decision and action is filtered through our beliefs and
value systems. Knowing what you value most and living 1. The total number of values any person holds is
accordingly will eliminate indecision in your life. relatively small.

2. All individuals throughout the world possess the
Most people live a divided same values to different degrees.

life. They spend their time 3. Values are organized into value systems.

between what they have to 4. The predecessors of human values can be traced
to culture, community, society and personality.
do to earn a living and what 5. The consequences of human values can be

they want to do to find joy or manifested in almost every aspect of an individual's
life.
meaning. They are choosing

to make a living rather than Your values are sets of beliefs and convictions that let
you know what matters most to you. Values are critical
designing a life. because they determine what actions you take along your
path. Living by your own high ideals or principles gives
you a foundation and a sense of consistency. Knowing
your core values opens the doorway to the mind.

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