Values come first.
That’s practical advice, not a truism to nod along with. When you are trying to structure your life, actions are the nuts and bolts supporting your structure. Objectives and projects are the beams and boards that define each room. Before those components can hold weight, however, you need the concrete slab underneath — values.
Values hold the rest of your structure up. When doubt creeps in and threatens to knock you over, values keep you standing. When tested and torn, asking “why do I even bother?” your values remind you — right, that’s why. They’re what point to the objectives you set for yourself and the actions you must take.
Articulate them. Clarify them. Get to know your values intimately so that when you propose an action up the chain of command, the general at the top can be confident in giving the order.
Clarity begets confidence. So if you ever wonder whether you’re on the right path, ask first — “do I really know my values?” If you do, the rest falls into place.
I value strength, so I will train.
I value wisdom, so I will learn.
I value fulfillment, so I will create.
I value people, so I will give.
I value rest, so I will sleep.
Good luck.