What are our values? (Part Two)

Today, we’ll go over the “Three‑layer values framework” that we introduced in our preceding blog. This might be the most effective way to make our values stick and help us remember them at all times. Let’s begin with layer 1, our core values (3–5 words) that are the non‑negotiable ones or are those we would defend even at all cost. 

Let’s take the following five values as an example (they’re not yours but are just illustrations): 

• Integrity 
• Persistence 
• Mastery 
• Courage 
• Creativity 

The list is voluntarily limited, if we have too many they’ll lose their meaning. The next layer, number 2 is simply stating what each value means to you. This is where most of us fail. A value without a definition is just a slogan. For example: 

• Integrity → “I tell the truth even when it’s inconvenient.” 
• Persistence → “I will never give up, no matter the difficulties and the time it takes.” 
• Mastery → “I will always do a great job, that will make me proud and that will last.” 
• Courage → “As long as I don’t take excessive risks, I won’t be stopped by fear, menaces or influences.” 
• Creativity → “I love to improve things by innovating and finding a better way.” 

This translation step makes the value memorable because it becomes yours, not a dictionary word. Finally there is layer 3, a behavioral anchor, this is the secret ingredient, that for each value defines one concrete behavior that proves you’re living it. Examples: 

• Integrity → “I never lie and don’t say things I don’t believe.” 
• Persistence → “My failures were when I didn’t didn’t stick to my plan and won’t repeat them.” 
• Mastery → “Since my time is the only treasure I have, I must do things right the first time.” 
• Courage → “This trait consistently paid off for me, so why would I do without it?” 
• Creativity → “Therein lies my greatest skill, so I must put it to use whenever I can!” 

You now have the three series of layers. In our next blog, we’ll see how we can practice them and make them work for us...