Values List: From abstract concept to everyday life
Everyone talks about values. They are the foundation of our society, our relationships, and our decisions. But as often as we hear that important values matter, they often remain abstract. What does it really mean to not only know your personal values , but to actively live them on a normal Tuesday morning? It's about building a bridge – from idealistic ideas to concrete experience.
What are human values really?
When we create a list of values , we find concepts like respect, freedom, honesty, and friendship. These moral values serve as a compass for our actions. But a list alone doesn't change anything. In our work at the Museum of Values, we've learned over the years that it takes experiences to bring these big words to life. It's easy to stick colorful notes with values on a wall in a workshop. The real challenge is reflecting these principles in our daily actions, especially when things get difficult.
The crucial question, then, is: How do we translate our ethical values into concrete behavior? It's about continually asking ourselves: "Does what I'm doing right now correspond to what I believe is right?" This process of self-reflection is the first step toward truly taking one's own values in life seriously. A movement can only ever begin with oneself, as the inspiring talk "How to start a movement" impressively demonstrates.
From knowledge to experience: Making values tangible
We believe that the key to embedding values lies in experience. It's the small moments—at the bus stop, at work, while shopping—that reveal what " my values " truly mean. We must give ourselves the opportunity to test these values in small ways and make them tangible. This approach is crucial not only for personal development but also for strengthening teams and organizations, as our partner The Art of Embodying Change (TAEC) practices in its work with companies.
An invitation to a micro-adventure
Our Action Cards were born from this idea. They are our attempt and our experiment to build a bridge. Instead of simply offering an abstract list of values , they challenge you with small micro-adventures to discover and practice values like courage, openness, and generosity in your everyday life. They are an invitation to take action yourself and observe the impact your actions have on you and your environment.
Your personal values list as a compass
So, what are your five most important values? Take a moment to reflect on them. Whether they're human values like compassion and justice or personal priorities like creativity and independence, your personal values list is your compass. It helps you make decisions that align with your true self and live a life that not only feels good but is also meaningful. And ideally, your example will also inspire those around you.
