This I Believe - 5 values that rule my life.

Are you a robot?

Are you a robot?

Is this you?

I’m sure you aren’t. Because robots don’t have values.

I’m sure you do.

But do you actually know the core values that guide your daily life? Are you aware of them? Are there any at all?

I’m convinced that doing some soul searching on this is one of the best investments in your own life you can ever make. And one of the hardest ones.

Inspired by the ‘This I Believe’ project and a post by Marty Cagan, I challenged myself to express that which underlies so much of what I do.

I hope this inspires you to do the same. I genuinely recommend it.

I believe in responsibility. The world does not respond to what you need. It only responds to what you do. I believe that we all have responsibility for our lives, regardless of circumstance. Yes, things happen. And yes, many of those things are outside of your control. But you will always be responsible for how you choose to react. I don’t believe in fate. I believe in self-authorship.

I believe in kindness. I believe that being kind to people brings good to the world and yourself. Being kind to others will make their day better. And being kind to others will make yourself happier. I don’t believe in holding back negative emotions and faking it. But I believe that we should all start from a place of maximal kindness, always.

I believe in purpose. I am not religious. I don’t believe in God. I don’t think life has a higher meaning. But that’s a good thing. It’s liberating. I believe that we all are free to define our own purpose. We are free to give our lives meaning. We are free to find out what it is that truly makes us and others happy. And I believe that knowing why you are doing what you are doing is essential for you to do great work, regardless of what that thing is.

I believe in contribution. How fucking amazing would the world be if everyone just once in a while tried to support the ones around them — just for the sake of contributing to something or someone other than oneself? I believe that focusing on creating value for other people in any way is a very very very simple strategy for doing the right thing. And for being happy.

I believe in personal growth. If I am certain of one thing, then it is that we all have so much more potential than we believe. I am not saying that everyone can achieve everything. But anyone can achieve a lot. We all might define achievement differently. But I believe that learning about yourself and about how the world works is hugely important for all of us. I believe in being curious, in asking big questions, in exploring complex topics, in reading, in watching documentaries, in physical and mental training, in good nutrition, and in listening to other people.

Am I really living in full integrity with the above values? No!

But I’m trying every day.

Now, I challenge you to sit down, take a pen and really reflect on your own list. It’s harder than you think — but worth it.

Please comment below as I would love for you to share what you truly believe in!

Oh, and please hit that green heart :).

Thank You!