Step 3

I'm posting Step 3 because I believe it should be done in conjunction with Step 2.  So, while you are thinking about your skills and talents and really blowing them out for Step 2, you should be thinking about your values.  That is Step 3.  What do you really value in life?

These are exercises that take time.  You can make lists quickly and get the exercise finished but, take the time to think about what your skills/talents are and what makes you put them on the list.  Why do you think that this is an area of expertise or deep knowledge?  What is your experience in this area?  What do you know about this particular thing?  I have skills/talents that come from doing and reading but that have never been a part of any formal career.  I'm putting them down and explaining why I'm putting them down.

I think that values play such an important role in our lives that it doesn't matter what our skills/talents are unless they fit with our values.  The definition of value includes words like important and desirable.  Given those words think of the things in your life like relationships, giving, faith, etc.  How important are they in your life.  How valuable are they?  Is it possible to practice a skill/talent within the confines of your values.

Have you ever had a job where you were good at it but it sucked the life out of you?  Most likely your skills/talents were being put to good use but your values were being compromised.  That type of situation isn't uncommon.

That's why understanding our values along with our skills/talents is an important step.  I'm really looking forward to this self-reflection.  I hope you will enjoy this as well.