My Values

There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self. - Benjamin Franklin

If you had asked me to list my 5 core values in my 20s, 30s, or even early 40s, I would have stumbled all over the question. We all have a "sense" of what is really important to us, but it's usually just that - a feeling that something is the case, but not a true knowing.

The path to knowing one’s self is simple but extremely hard, and we often only do it once we have hit bottom or encountered some life-altering event that forcefully opens our eyes in some way.

For me, it was the recent loss of my brother to a short battle with cancer. The realization of life’s brevity was no longer purely conceptual for me, and it had me deeply reflecting on what it meant to have the happiest and most fulfilling life possible for whatever short time we have.

After months of reflection, I came to realize these as my 5 core values:

Growth

Growth is my driver. Curiosity, being a perpetual learner - it is what energizes me.

What one can be, one must be.  - Abraham Maslow

Humility

Humility is what empowers me to grow. It allows for open-mindedness, accountability, tolerance, and keeps the ego in check.

Authenticity

Authenticity is what guides me. Authenticity and alignment with one's true self lead to integrity and being genuine.

Empathy

Empathy empowers me to be a better contributor.

Contribution

Contribution is what gives me a sense of purpose.

There is but one solution to the intricate riddle of life; to improve ourselves, and contribute to the happiness of others. - Mary Shelley

Harmonic Values

As I reflected on my values, I came to realize that they created a sense of harmony. They are aligned and support each other, which makes the whole greater than the parts.

I will be writing much more about values in the coming days, weeks, months, and years, as I believe it is the most critical component of living your best life, and as a result, making the world a better place.