Values Minus Actions Equals Distress and Instability.

Forgive me in advance if this piece is too deep and out there for you but I needed to get this off my chest. On the other hand if this thought resonates with you I would love to hear your opinion. What initiated this thought was a discussion between Bob (different name) and me in a social setting. Bob was a very successful identity in his field earning great money and working lots of hours. Vegetarian at the time so he valued healthy eating however he also smoked and still does. Bob got out of that pressure cooker environment and now works for himself with a partner.

Our discussion was based around his situation and how he was going with the whole lifestyle/health/work thing. He was really busy at work which he was happy about but he was disapointed at the amount his work threw his life and routine out of balance recently. Eating, sleeping and energy levels and the list could go on. But it was affecting his passion for his work and he felt himself starting to become blarzay in his thoughts while delivering his high quality services.

On reflection Bob's actions are completely out of kilter with his values, from my observation. I can't say categorically as the discussion was brief and informal. He knows about healthy eating and practices that yet it's been interrupted by his work - again. Remember he left corporate life because of this initially. His smoking also goes against his health values. He knows it is wrong and unhealthy but his timeline to stop this unhealthy action is a little way off. Exercise is something that is in his sights, but whilst smoking he admits he won't commit to exercise properly as it will be counterproductive.

I know that description is brief and a lot of what was said isn't in this article but can you see where the unbalancing effect occurs? Bob thinks healthy yet his actions aren't. So health is a big value of his yet his activities aren't consistent with those values. Quality of service and his expertise is a huge value of Bob's yet his lifestyle over the last 2 or 3 months has started to compromise the deliverance of those values. You need to take the time to really appreciate values and what yours are. Until this occurs your life will remain stressful, unbalanced and limited. Ever had the feeling you want so much more out of life but had absolutely no idea what it is you wanted and still don't? Try finding your true inner core values.