Values: Self Review
- personal995
- May 6, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Index
Purpose
Values: Self Review is a section of Values.
This page and section exists to check in with yourself and keep ourself honest with your Values.
The more honest your are with yourself, the more likely you are to face reality accurately, and in turn, the more likely you are to get beneficial outcomes.
Introduction
Richard Feynman, the great physicist, once said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.”
We need to check in with ourselves and keep ourselves honest. We all stray from our Values, Goals and The Path. That is normal, that is okay. What we do when we realise we have strayed is what matters.
The Socratic method is a form of cooperative, argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. It is named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, who employed this method in his teaching.
In the Socratic method, instead of providing direct answers to questions, a person engages in a dialogue to explore and clarify their own (or others) thoughts and beliefs. This process involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and uncover underlying assumptions or contradictions.
When applied to the self, the Socratic method becomes a means of self-inquiry and reflection.
Process
In the tradition of the Socratic method, the below is a series of questions to consider when checking in with yourself as you progress:
Review each question one at a time. Are you being honest with yourself? Do you truly know your position and progress?
The Self Review Worksheet in The Workbook can be used to help document your thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward.
Based on your review, thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward:
Do you need to adjust your Models & Theories to course correct or move forward?
Do you have further Lessons to learn to adapt your approach?
Are there Tactics that could assist you to better handle specific scenarios?
Whatever the answers are you discover about yourself, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. What matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Self Review
Tip: Prior to or whilst reviewing the below you may find it useful to help understand what biases may be affecting the clarity of your thought. Review: Heuristics, Biases & Fallacies
1. What principles do I consistently prioritize in my life, regardless of circumstances?
Reflect on the core principles or ideals that consistently guide your thoughts and actions, regardless of the situations you encounter. Consider how these principles influence your decision-making process and shape your worldview.
2. When have I felt most fulfilled and aligned with my true self? What values were present in those moments?
Recall moments in your life when you experienced a deep sense of fulfillment and alignment with your authentic self. Explore the values that were prevalent during those experiences and how they contributed to your overall well-being.
3. Which virtues or qualities do I admire most in others, and why? How do these reflect my own values?
Consider the virtues or qualities that you admire most in others and the reasons behind your admiration. Reflect on how these virtues align with your own values and whether they serve as aspirational ideals for you.
4. If I had to choose only three values to guide my decisions and actions, what would they be, and why?
Imagine if you were limited to choosing only three values to guide your decisions and actions. Reflect on which values you would prioritize and why they are essential to you. Consider the impact these values have on your life and aspirations.
5. When faced with difficult decisions, what values do I instinctively lean on for guidance?
Explore your instinctive responses when confronted with challenging decisions or dilemmas. Identify the values that you naturally turn to for guidance and how they influence your decision-making process.
6. What do I believe is worth sacrificing for, even in the face of adversity or temptation?
Reflect on what you consider to be non-negotiable in your life, even when faced with difficult circumstances or temptations. Consider the values that you are willing to make sacrifices for and why they hold such significance for you.
7. What values do I want to be remembered for by others? How does this reflect my sense of legacy and purpose?
Consider the values that you want to be remembered for by others and the legacy you wish to leave behind. Reflect on how these values align with your sense of purpose and contribute to the impact you want to make in the world.
8. In what areas of my life do I experience the greatest sense of alignment with my values? What factors contribute to this alignment?
Identify the areas of your life where you feel the most aligned with your values and beliefs. Reflect on the factors that contribute to this alignment, such as your relationships, career, hobbies, or personal practices.
9. When do I feel most conflicted or unsettled, and how does this relate to my values?
Explore moments in your life when you experience conflict or inner turmoil. Reflect on how these conflicts relate to your values and whether they indicate areas where your values may be challenged or compromised.
10. If I were to prioritize my values in order of importance, how would I rank them, and what insights does this reveal about my priorities and aspirations?
Imagine ranking your values in order of importance, with the most essential values at the top of the list. Reflect on the insights gained from this exercise and how it sheds light on your priorities and aspirations in life.
By posing these self-reflective questions you can deepen your awareness of your current position. In turn, enhancing the clarity and most important steps of your strategic approach moving forward.
Output Checklist
Completed Self Review Worksheet from The Workbook guided via the above Values: Self Review.
Next Steps
If you feel you have key learnings to takeaway, return to Values: Main to integrate into your Output Checklist.
If you feel you are still in explore and discovery mode, continue onto Values: Lessons.
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