What are values? Really, they are what keeps each of us moving forward. As Maslow stated in his Hierarchy of Needs, we have basic physiological needs. Physiological needs include things like food and water. If these are not met, we can’t survive. We also have safety and security needs, including shelter, warmth, and awareness that our basic human needs are being met. Maslow also notes it’s our sense of belongingness. This is more social-based but includes feelings a person has when they belong to a group or organization. The last set up self-esteem needs includes developing a positive self-evaluation and accomplishment.
Core values are not a fixed set but are molded out of an individual’s experiences. Continual learning about oneself is important for success and for happiness. And while values remain fluid, the more we learn about ourselves, the more we can use our experience to develop a better understanding of how we work and how we can improve. Our values either liberate us or imprison us in low self-esteem, underachievement, poor enrichment, and failing health.