12/10/2024
Value: The First Step!
This Blog marks a monumental moment for us—it’s our very First post…EVER! But that’s not all. It’s also about First steps: starting a business, writing a book, designing apparel with purpose—all those brave, uncertain, exciting leaps forward. There’s something extraordinary about taking that First step, and it deserves a moment of recognition because the courage it takes is no small feat. So, if you’ve taken any kind of First step recently, take a bow. You’ve earned it!
The title of this blog plays on the word value in more ways than one. First, there’s value in taking those steps forward, even when you’re unsure where they might lead. But second—and perhaps more importantly—having a sense of direction to step toward makes all the difference. That’s where your personal values come into play. They’re your internal compass, guiding your journey and helping you navigate life’s many questions:
- What’s my purpose?
- Why did I make that decision?
- Why do I feel lost sometimes?
- Why did that feel so natural?
It’s easy to feel adrift when you don’t know your values. But when you take the time to discover them? That’s your First bold step toward clarity and fulfillment.
This blog isn’t just a post to fill your downtime. It’s an invitation—a potential First step in your personal growth journey. At Eyes Forward Guidance, we’re here to help you and your team, staff, sports group, or classroom move toward that growth. We offer workshops—both in-person (locally) and remote—that dives into the differences between morals, ethics, and values while highlighting the critical role personal values play in every area of your life.
We’re so grateful you’re here reading this—thank you! I want to take a moment to acknowledge the many influences on my own work. As a doctoral student in psychology, I’ve been shaped by thought leaders like Dr. Steven C. Hayes, the pioneer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as Aaron Beck, Martin Seligman, Eric Johnson, and Brené Brown. And, of course, my number one inspiration: my mother, Charlese Evans. (No hyperlinks for her—just trust me when I say she’s the real deal!)
Speaking of Dr. Hayes, one of his students, Kelly Wilson, created a tool called the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ) (attachment below). It’s an excellent resource for identifying your values. The VLQ offers clear distinctions across life domains—family, recreation, spirituality, and more—and even includes percentages to help you visualize your values. A little quick math is involved, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Self-development is no small undertaking. It’s some of the hardest work you’ll ever do—but think about all the hard things you’ve already done for the people you love. Isn’t it time to show that same love to yourself? Take that First step. The value it holds is immeasurable, guaranteed.
Stay tuned and subscribe for more tools, insights, and inspiration to help you take meaningful steps toward a values-driven life.
