Values and goals: For best results, make them match
People are often confused by the difference between values and goals. In this article, we’ll explore how you can tell them apart, and how you can use them to create more meaning in life. For...
values
Buying your way to happiness? Consumerism is ruining the environment
Concern about the environment is gathering steam. Politicians tout policies to prove their environmental street-cred. Young activists prod the conscience of older generations. Everyone feels virtuous as they mouth slogans that demand action. But is...
Are you responsible for the way others act?
Now, everyone likes to be on good terms with people around them. But sometimes even close friends or family don’t act appropriately. So how much responsibility should you take for changing their behaviour? Are you...
Challenge negative self-beliefs: be kind to yourself
Do you hold a poor opinion of yourself? Do you exaggerate your faults and feel terrible about small lapses? Challenge negative self-beliefs to see if they’re really valid. In the process, be kind and reach...
How to use values to live with greater intention
At times, your behaviour can seem mysterious – even to you. Sometimes you make decisions so automatically, you don’t question what you do. This lack of awareness can be a recipe for acting without intention....
Make every minute count: live with meaning
Previously, we’ve discussed how to prioritise your time. Now we’ll focus on “important and not urgent” activities that you find fulfilling. Make every minute count, so that you can live with meaning and achieve your...
Want to stop ignoring problems? Take action now
Have you always dismissed people who said you had a problem? Are you now starting to suspect they may be right? Do you want to stop ignoring problems from now on? Congratulations! You’ve moved up...
What’s so important about values? Defining your best self!
Most people are unsure or unaware of their values. That’s when life can go off at a tangent. Learn what’s so important about values in developing your best self, and why you should care. Live...
Values: being the best role model isn’t easy
Our value systems start developing in early childhood, and a good role model can have an enormous influence on your values. Learn how to be the best role model you can. In the process, influence...
Value conflicts: when people can’t agree on their values
Don’t we all believe the same things are important in life? Surely there’s a set of core values everyone follows, like honesty, integrity, compassion and kindness? You’d think so, wouldn’t you? But the more people...
Differing values in relationships? Ignore at your peril
We’re often surprised others hold different values to us. Differing values in relationships can be a warning sign of conflict. And if you ignore these early signs, it’s at your own peril. A couple in...
How to act with sincerity: match values and behaviour
Mission statements touted by big organisations often don’t bear much resemblance to reality. They may describe lofty values like caring for employees or customers. But in fact, staff can endure bullying, poor conditions and low...
Your ideal self: the best version of yourself
Occasionally you can lose sight of what’s important in life. You can’t see past the pile-up of day-to-day hassles. So the concept of an ideal self can help focus your goals. It can direct you...
Act on warning signs of hypocrisy
“Do what I say, not what I do.” How many times have you heard that said in jest? This saying describes a double standard. It’s a sign of hypocrisy and insincerity. Hypocrisy implies it’s OK...
Values: How useful is your conscience?
We’ve all been taught to take note of what our conscience tells us. But there’s a catch. Although you may have a strong belief you think is “right,” your conscience can sometimes lead you astray....
Be flexible when your values conflict with others
Do you wonder about people who are chosen as Man or Woman of the Year? Images of hardworking CEOs are rife in our culture. And of socially aware activists who give their all to a...
