It takes real courage to seize the moment to turn adversity into an opportunity, to step forward to create the new future we believe in for ourselves and for others. We are in a time of dramatic change, transition to a new, better future is a tantalising vision but it is fraught with uncertainty and ambiguity. 

When we take action despite the risk to ourselves, we are being courageous(1). At times of uncertainty we feel the risk, we may hesitate to take action and seek sources of stability. We can find this source, this stability in our values. Values are our foundation, our building blocks, the rock upon which we stand and act. Values speak to what is important to us regardless of the climate we find ourselves in. 

So how do we find the courage to take action for the future we envision? How can our values support us, what do we need to do? 

Know your values - How do you find out what they are? 

There are many tools you can use to confirm your values. One of the tools, the Values in Action (VIA) Inventory, I have used for myself and with clients. When a team I worked with recently saw their results they rang true for them everyone felt an ‘uh ha’ moment, an insight that confirmed their values and helped with self-understanding. Sharing their results as a team they recognised each other’s strengths and how they could improve the way they worked together courageously.

Evaluate your actions – How have I lived my values today, last week last year? 

This will help you to recognise the behaviours and actions that are in line with your values. When your behaviours are out of sync you will feel the dissonance, the uncertainty and internal discomfort. At times this can manifest as a physical feeling as well as a mental anguish. 

Plan how you will live your values – what will I do today, tomorrow, next week, next year? 

Write it down, make it real. In these uncertain times it may take longer to realise our dreams and goals but each day we have the opportunity to be true to ourselves and live our values, even if in a small way.

Check in against your plan – How do you build in feedback to see how you are doing? 

Feedback can be spontaneous giving us pause to think – ‘how am I doing?’ like when we see a picture or experience nature (a tree in blossom).

More formally we can keep a regular journal or set up a regular check-in with a dear friend. 

Build the foundation – how do I build strength and resolve? 

Each step we take that is in line with our values strengthens them, strengthens our resolve and sense of who we are. Our feedback systems will tell us when we are on track and if we falter, we now know we have a solid foundation that will stabilise us.

Be present – how do you take a moment to reflect? 

Take moments, moments where you observe yourself, breathe, be consciously aware and feel the sense of yourself. When interacting with others - listen, observe your impact on them to see if you are on track. These moments are precious amidst the rush and chaos of the world.

Our values aren’t transitory, they are always with us. It’s just that sometimes we forget to stop and connect with them, to stand on our solid foundation. When your behaviours and actions are guided by your values you will know you are on the right path, doubt and uncertainty will fade and be replaced by belief and confidence. Realising a new, better values-based future is within our grasp.

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1. Santisi, G., Lodi, E., Magnano, P., Zarbo, R., & Zammitti, A. (2020). Relationship between psychological capital and quality of life: The role of courage. Sustainability, 12(13), 5238. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12135238