Page 67 - Keys To Community College Success

get analytical

EXPLORE YOUR VALUES

Rate each of the values in the list on a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being least important to you and 5 being most important.
Write each rating next to the corresponding value.

Knowing yourself Being liked by others Reading
Self-improvement Taking risks Time to yourself
Improving physical/mental health Time for fun/relaxation Lifelong learning
Leadership and teamwork skills Staying fit through exercise Competing and winning
Pursuing an education Spiritual/religious life Making a lot of money
Good relationships with family Community involvement Creative/artistic pursuits
Helping others Keeping up with the news Getting a good job

Being organized Financial stability Other ___________
Complete the following on a sheet of paper or digital file.
1. Write your top three values.
2. Choose one top value that is a factor in an educational choice you have made. Explain the choice and how the
value was involved. Example: A student who values financial stability chooses to take a personal finance course.
3. Name an area of study that you think would help you live according to this value.

How Values Develop and Change

Your value system is complex, built piece by piece over time. It comes from many
sources—family, friends, culture, media, school, work, neighborhood, religious beliefs,
and world events. These powerful external influences can so effectively instill your
values that you don’t even think about why you believe what you believe. However,
you have a choice whether to adopt any value. Taking advantage of the power to
choose requires evaluating values by asking questions like the following:
■ Where did the value come from?
■ Is this value something from my family or culture that I have accepted without
question, or have I truly made it my own?
■ What other different values could I consider?
■ What might happen as a result of adopting this value?
■ Have I made a personal commitment to this choice? Have I told others about it?
■ Do my life goals and day-to-day actions reflect this value?

Values often shift over time. For example, Sarah’s ordeal changed and reordered
her family’s values. Life changes make it even more crucial to think about what’s truly
important to you.

How Values Affect Your Life Experience

Because what you value often determines the choices you make, your values also shape
your life experiences. For example, the fact that you value education may have led you

29