Details, resources, questions, and challenges
Defining your 'values' and 'purpose' may reek of corporate-speak: The sort of language that employs vague, but important-sounding words, like "integrity", as a cloaking device for immoral behaviour happening behind the scenes.
This is not an exercise in trying to find nice-sounding words that only serve to convince yourself you're a saint when really you're just a human, warts 'n all.
At the same time, you may think you don't need values or a purpose (and you may be right). But giving it some thought means you've at least given the topic its day in court and you minimize the risk of having a set of values foisted upon you.
Philosophers don't want to admit it, but the meaning of life is quite obviously to maximize capital gains for the shareholders.
— Existential Comics (@existentialcoms) April 19, 2019
It can be valuable to distinguish between your passions and your purpose
There is ample space in the other Life Areas for passions. In fact, there is a bit of danger in using the new year as the jumping off point to finally quitting your job and instead follow your childhood passions - see also 🛠 Career & Work
Dogs, God bless them, are passionate.
Ryan Holiday in Ego is the Enemy
Maybe you claim 'integrity' as one of the core pillars when you're chatting up the pretty girl/guy in the proverbial bar, but your bank statement shows all your savings spent at the local strip club while your husband/wife worries at home.
It's easy to sit indoors and type out a cost-free fairy tale, like you're doing right now. And there's nothing wrong in setting out some values you aspire to live by, but don't label yourself with positive words if you don't intend to live out their meaning.
Tell me what you value and I might believe you, but show me your calendar and your bank statement, and I'll show you what you really value.
Peter Drucker
Maybe you feel the need to be an astute, paleo-vegan Zen Buddhist who crossfits daily for charity.
Be careful of trying to follow the perfect system or the strictest of ethical standards, because you'll be much more likely to fail them: Favour the 'merely' good system that actually works.
Must you become a full-time Stoic or could instead simply cherry-pick a few helpful exercises to incorporate into your life?
You shouldn't necessarily think of "Values" as single-word shoulder tattoos. They can be specific, like a set of principles. A good example of this is explained by Dan Charnas in his book "Work Clean" on the professionalism and ways of working of an industrial kitchen.
Over time, mise-en-place begins to reveal itself as a set of values: Apprenticing oneself. Getting to class early, not just on time. Working with intensity. Cultivating a sense of urgency. Remaining alert. Aiming for perfection.
Dan Charnas in Work Clean