Page 432 - Learning to Learn

READING EXPERIENCE 15: S HIFTING FROM EXTRINSIC TO INTRINSIC MOTIVATION
432 L EARNING TO LEARN: BECOMING A SELF-GROWER
Values Analysis
To analyze our values is an essential exercise. Our values will dictate how we live in
this world, so we want to make sure that we truly live by the values that are significant
to us. If we live by the values we hold dear, then we will lead lives that feel balanced
and harmonious. But if we find that we are not living according to our values, then we
can make changes that will help us to lead more satisfying and meaningful lives.
In Webster’s New World Dictionary, the word value is defined as “the social principles,
goals, or standards held by an individual, class, society, etc.” For example, a social goal
that our society values is that our citizens will grow up and become productive members
of our society. They will get jobs! We usually call that value our work ethic. The reason
why the definition uses the words goal or standard is that if people fall short of a goal
or do not live up to a standard, whether they are personal goals or standards or society’s
goals or standards, then they will usually have to deal with negative consequences. For
example, people who do not become productive in our society are usually ostracized in
some way. Many people believe that this is what welfare reform should be about and
that we should have a society where tax dollars aren’t spent taking care of people who
are capable of taking care of themselves. But there is another side to this issue and some
of the potential reforms we hear about in the news could have negative consequences for
many poor people, especially poor children, by placing them in precarious situations—
without a job and without the safety net of welfare. While this may seem to be a very
political example, it nonetheless demonstrates that it is critical that we understand our
personal principles, goals, and standards, as they have implications beyond each of us,
individually.
Life experiences can easily side track us from living up to our personal principles,
goals, and standards. And when we get side tracked from living up to our personal
values, we usually feel out of balance in some way. For example, suppose you have a
personal standard that suggests that you treat people kindly and with respect. But over
the last few months or so, you have found yourself with a bad case of road rage. Your
experiences with the bumper-to-bumper traffic has you stressed “to the max,” so you
have been cutting people off, honking your horn at people who are driving the speed
limit, and even making a few inappropriate gestures at times. This behavior has you
feeling sheepish because you know it’s cowardly and disrespectful. You begin to feel
out of balance within, but you may not be sure why at first. Eventually a self-reflection
brings you to the conclusion that your behavior on the road is inappropriate and that
you need to make a positive change in your life. So you do, and you feel better about
yourself as a kind and respectful person. You are now living up to your own personal
standard. That is why it is a good practice to check in on your values every once in
awhile to see if you are living up to them.
(Excerpted from Life Vision Portfolio by Janice Mettauer, published by Pacific Crest)