Values Over Resolutions

I enjoyed this New Years episode of one of my favorite podcasts, Being Well:

This episode explores the idea that traditional new years resolutions often don't result in lasting change due to their focus on outcomes — getting up earlier, losing weight, saving more — which are temporary and abstract. Instead, Forrest and Rick suggest we identify core values we want to prioritize in the near year: In short, who we want to be, rather than what we want to do. Once we know our core values, we can identify behaviors or goals that align to them, and possibly make more lasting and impactful changes.

This sounded kind of woo to me at first. I’ve dipped my toes in digital planning and life design, with their 3 month/6 month/9 month plans, mantras, monthly focuses and vision boards. Writing things down is powerful, but I’ve had trouble applying such abstract concepts in the managed chaos of daily life. But heck, I thought, I’ll try it.

How to identify core values

1. Google list(s) of core values.
2. Write down a few values that resonate.
3. Decide which values are core (or prioritized) for you.

My values

Doing this exercise, I landed on a mix of current strengths and aspirations for myself:

• Accountability: To myself and others. Responsibility for my own happiness. Reliably meeting my obligations.
• Connection: To myself and others. Figuring out what I need. Anticipating others’ needs and helping. Looking for and nurturing community.
• Creativity: To share, explore, and find meaning. Sensemaking.
• Growth: To improve myself, learn, and be open to new experiences. Exercise curiosity.
• Wonder: To notice and soak in the good, beautiful, fair, kind aspects of life, myself, and others.

I'm intending to filter my decisions this year through these values: Will I start or stop a behavior, say yes or no to an opportunity? Maybe I can shift from did I do this right/well? to did I act according to my values? The goal being to conduct myself more morally; act more intentionally; and be true to the version of myself I want to be.