My personal core values
Over the past months I have been reconsidering my own core values.
In a busy life we are easily carried along by what has to be done, without stopping to ask what actually matters. That was certainly true for me. Driven by ambition and by a horizon that kept moving further away, I was always working on bigger, more, better. While I thought I was enjoying the journey, I now see how valuable it is to stand still consciously and look at what has been built.
Sometimes it takes a change in your life to put both feet back on the ground and ask what is really important. That period of reflection is what made me want to live according to a renewed set of values.
Now I hold my decisions up against them. That is not always easy, because sometimes what I want and what I value pull in different directions. Still I ask myself: does this fit within my core values? If the answer is no, saying no becomes much easier.
This renewed focus gives me a sense of direction. It helps me make better choices, and to enjoy the journey and the small victories along the way.
Health and personal growth. Health is everything. You can have money, beautiful things and many friends, but without health there is little left to enjoy. I love challenging myself, growing, learning, stepping outside my comfort zone. My curiosity leads to new experiences, and that is worth a great deal.
Freedom. For many entrepreneurs freedom is essential, and it is for me too. Where I once found it less important, it is now at the top of my list. I was given a lot of responsibility at a young age, and I have come to love being free in my choices and my movements.
Integrity. Being honest with yourself and with others is essential. That sounds simple, but it is a genuine challenge for someone who tends to please and to avoid conflict. Staying true to my principles, even when it is uncomfortable. Integrity is about doing what is right rather than what is easy.
Connection. Connection has always mattered to me. I love personal relationships, conversations with depth, and a wide way of thinking. Being open to another point of view, and treating each other with care, is essential.
Serenity. Inner calm is one of my most important goals. I can work hard, and I can relax completely on holiday; what I am after is bringing those two worlds closer together. I value every day, and I enjoy the moments of quiet.
Every day offers a chance to grow, to connect, and to find some calm. This renewed focus gives me the energy to walk my own path with confidence, and to encourage others to do the same.
What are your core values?
Mariska Jagt — interior designer and founder of The Home of Soul