Personal values

Values are beliefs and philosophy meaningful to certain individuals. We come to value things first because we have personal connections with them, and ultimately because they help get us somewhere. As an example, from an early age my grandfather taught me the importance hard work. At first I valued this because of my personal connection with him; I valued most things he taught me. It was only after I put this value to use in my own life, and reaped the benefits of applying it regularly that I’m able to own this value.

There is no question that living our values is what makes us the happiest, this is something I have learned, both the easy and the hard way. For as long as I have remembered I have valued physical activity, lately I have noticed that I have let that value slip by letting myself get way too busy to get in a workout on a regular basis. Not being able to fit this value into my schedule has only caused me more stress, which in turn does not help my endeavors as a student or Fraternity President. In order for us to be at our happiest we simply have to learn how to make time for our values.

The most important lesson to remember about values is that living your values GIVES you energy, and not living them SUCKS your energy. The most successful and happy individuals in our culture understand this principle and apply it every day. 

Personal Vision Statement

My personal vision statement is to put myself in a position where I am free to live out my passions on an everyday basis by choosing a career that allows me to closely align my personal and career goals. I am passionate about gaining knowledge, but also sharing it; achieving big things, but also giving back; and accomplishing my personal goals, but also helping others get where their going. I seek to have a positive impact on every person with whom I come in contact. I see true success as being able to balance all aspects of life such as career, family, and personal well-being. In order for this to happen I will need to conduct all my daily actions in congruence with my personal values that include honesty, integrity, responsibility, good-heartedness, and respect. 

Collaboration Reflection

Typically speaking, individuals find it hard to collaborate with others because we find it hard to let go of our own opinions. Those of us fortunate enough to be in leadership positions often fall into the trap of thinking that we must know best because we’re the groups elected leader, and since we were elected by a democratic process then that must mean that the group has given us discretion to make decisions for the group.

Having the mindset that leadership is grounded in relationships with others, not within a leader’s innate abilities is what can empower groups to collaborate. Personally, it was coming to this realization that allowed me to increase collaboration in my organization. As a leader it is often hard to tell if certain members of your team have this mindset or not. I try to insure collaboration by involving everyone in the group and creating responsibility that can be handed out so that members become accountable. Creating common goals is one way to spread the responsibility.

Another personal flaw that has allowed for lower collaboration within my group in the past has been my inability to capitalize on the diverse strengths and perspectives of group members. This goes back to the first point about not being able to let go of our personal opinions. When a leader assumes his opinion must always—or at least most of the time—be right, then he cuts his organization of from the many different ideas these different perspectives bring to the table. Getting out of this mindset has been one of my leadership goals for the quarter, and so far I am proud to say that I have made considerable process.