Values are individual beliefs that motivate people to act one way or another. They serve as a guide for human behavior. Values vary among individuals and across cultures and time. Though values tend to remain relatively stable over time they can change as you move through life.
Imagine your ideal world. How would people treat each other? How would they act? What services would be available?
Identify what makes you angry and what makes you feel good. These could point you to what you value.
Identify people you admire and respect. Ask yourself what is it about these people that speaks to you.
Review lists of values and see what sparks something in you
A belief is something that you believe or accept as true. You might believe something based on a fact, an opinion or an assumption. When you believe something you might not have immediate personal knowledge but you are satisfied that something is the way it is. Your belief system is not necessarily correct or accurate.
Morals are personal rules, principles or standards of behavior of what is considered right and wrong. Morals dictate daily choices and can differ between people and cultures. Morals are not governed by law but rather are internal codes of conduct.
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by
Examines the critical art of rethinking and learning to question your opinions.
Buddhist Moral Philosophy by
The first book of its kind, Buddhist Moral Philosophy: An Introduction introduces the reader to contemporary philosophical interpretations and analyses of Buddhist ethics.
Everyday Ethics and Social Change by
In redefining the parameters of morality, Peterson enables us to make fundamental problems such as the distribution of wealth, the use of public land and natural resources, labor and employment policy, and the character of political institutions the preferred focus of debate and action.
Since your beliefs are often strongly influenced by other people’s opinions and prejudices it is vital you challenge and update your beliefs often to ensure your beliefs are guiding you in the direction you want to go. Re-examining and reinterpreting the experiences that created your belief system, especially negative ones, is essential if you want to change your beliefs. Questions to help you examine your beliefs:
Where does this belief come from?
Is this my belief or have I adopted it from someone else?
How does this belief help me?
How does this belief hinder me?
How do I know this belief is true?
What is my new and updated belief?
Questions to help you get started on examining and developing your morals
How do you treat others - like they treat you or always with compassion?
What do you think about money? Spend what you've earned or save for a rainy day?
Is honesty the best policy or are white lies acceptable?
Are you willing to admit that you made a mistake?
Should you always defer to authority no matter what?
Who is responsible for helping the poor, elderly, homeless...?
Should respect be freely given or earned?
Should you be loyal even if it means someone else gets hurt?
Do you have to forgive? If you do, is it for yourself or the other person?
