My Values Wake-Up Call

Have you ever looked back and realized that pretty much everything has changed?

I have kept a journal for the better of my adult life. The many journals that I have written in over the years are filled with wandering thoughts, prayers, and even the processing of my life. I still have many of them, although I am not sure why. Recently I stumbled upon a couple of journals from about ten years ago. Reading them gave me a values wake-up call that surprised me.

Here are a couple of my observations:
First of all, I still struggle with a lot of the same things. I still mess up in the same ways, I still pray for the same things and I still want God to be in charge of my life.

But secondly, and most obvious to me, was how much my priorities have changed.

The things that I value the most in my work life and in my relationships are different. On the one hand that makes sense.

I’m older.

The kids are older.

My career has changed.

Many of my friendships are different.

But on the other hand, I was surprised at how my values, the things that are important to me, change based on seasons of life and the changing culture around which I have chosen to live. Many of my values are grounded and constant (God, family, service, etc.). BUT so many other values shift and require new focus and energy. Values like developing leaders, being transparent with those I work with, coaching my children (instead of just telling them what to do). These values and others are what have become most important to me right NOW.

This learning is so important to us as leaders. Our job in leadership is to use our influence to bring about change. At the core of our leadership culture are values. If we cling to what is constant and never changing, while at the same time emphasizing what is important NOW, not only will we wake up, but so will those we lead.

If you want a wake-up call of your own, take a minute and write down three things that have been high values to you that have not changed:

1. ________________________________________

2. ________________________________________

3. ________________________________________

Now, jot down three things that you sense to be the most important things right NOW:

1. ________________________________________

2. ________________________________________

3. ________________________________________

I hope your wake-up call is as fun as mine has been.

Just remember, values are both constant and ever changing.

So what stays the same for you? What has changed or needs to change?