Core Values and Vision

Difference between Needs and Wants

It is crucial to distinguish between what is wanted (external desires) and what is needed (internal values).

Wants, such as buying a luxury car or traveling, are often means to satisfy a deeper underlying need.

For example, someone may desire "lots of money," but the fundamental need they seek to fulfill is "freedom" or "security."

Identifying the core value (the need) allows multiple avenues to be found to satisfy it, avoiding frustration if the specific desire is not immediately fulfilled. Values are the internal compass that gives meaning to actions.

Identifying Guiding Values

Each person has a unique hierarchy of values that motivate their behavior, such as progress, connection, authenticity, certainty or excitement.

To work on personal development, it is essential for the individual to identify what his or her "top 10" values are and prioritize them.

By knowing, for example, that "authenticity" is more important than "certainty" for a specific person, more congruent and satisfying life choices can be made, reducing internal conflict.

The Legacy Exercise (The Tombstone)

To clarify the long-term life vision, the exercise of writing one's own obituary or epitaph is used.

The person is asked to reflect on how he or she would like to be remembered once gone.

Generally, no one wishes to be remembered for their material possessions ("here lies one who had two yachts"), but for their human qualities ("he was a loving father", "he helped others").

This exercise of projection towards the end of life helps to align the actions of the present with the transcendent legacy that one wishes to build.

Summary

It is crucial to distinguish betwee