What are your core values?
And how do you apply them?
I’ve been developing my “Identity Statement” for about 5 years.
It has evolved from 3 simple sentences following a specific formula into a poetic reminder of who I am, how I want to show up and what I am committed to.
I created the first iteration while working with PGC Basketball. As a company with a “commitment based culture”, each staff member writes down who they are committed to being so their teammates can encourage them and hold them accountable to that standard.
For first timers, they suggest starting with 3 elements: a strength, a stretch (something you were working on) and a job specific commitment that would help you thrive in your role. So, this is what I wrote:
I am a joyful leader that models patience and respect.
I have a sound knowledge of PGC concepts.
People can count on me to listen and build them up.
I have since expanded this exercise to other areas of my life and adapted the elements to fit my most current values, my most meaningful affirmations, and my most needed reminders…
Have you ever written down who you are, how you want to show up and what you are committed to?
If you have, I’d love to see what you came up with!
If you haven’t, I highly recommend taking some time try it out!
I look at my Identity Statement daily and update it annually - this practice has helped me tremendously in understanding my values, expressing them to others and living them out more intentionally and more consistently.
If you ever notice me acting outside of the commitments listed above - please, feel free to call me out! :)
If my Identity Statement has been the game changer in clarifying who I want to BE. Then, the 6 F’s has been the game changer in clarifying what I want to DO.
Like many others, I like to set goals. However, many of the goals I had in my teens and 20’s were set by others - teachers, coaches, friends, parents, etc. Even the ones I set myself were influenced by a desire for external validation, without much of a deeper “why”.
After reading Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead a few years ago, I was inspired to change my approach. Her research confirmed what I already knew…
To lead others, you have to lead yourself first. And to lead yourself, you need to know yourself first.
Dare to Lead is full of actionable steps to self-assess and apply your learning to leading within any community you are a part of. I used Brene Brown’s Values exercise to determine my core values and what it looked like to apply them across the areas of my life that most impacted both my personal fulfillment and my communities.
I narrowed my core values down to connection & learning.
And the most impactful areas? Faith, Family, Fitness, Finance, Future & Fun.
I share my 6 F’s with you because they have guided the creation of my Vision Boards for the past couple years and have helped me discover different ways to live and lead.
Next week, I’ll share my 2023 Vision so you can follow along with my victories, adversities and learnings! Hopefully all of the above will encourage you on the path toward YOUR vision :)
Sincerely,
Clare