Core Values, Core Beliefs and Core Truths
There is one thing that seems to continue to bubble to the surface when we talk about successful companies, schools, teams or people and it is their core values. I don’t think we can deny that core values are an important part of the identity of any organization or person. We hear principals, CEOs and entrepreneurs talk about their core values time and time again but I think this is only part of what I’m starting to see as “the core.” What do I mean by “the core” ? Well, it came to me just recently when I was talking to a group in Illinois about where I grew up.
In our formative years our family, friends and the many communities we are a part of play a significant role in determining our core values. I began to look at my core values like the foundation of a home. The values you learn as a child from the people around you provide you with your compass, the very rocks you stand on when you need stability the most. This foundation allows us to go into the world with something that will allow us to look at our experiences and make the decisions that will help us get to the next level. These experiences along with the values you already have will become your core beliefs and these beliefs will become the framework of your home. You can’t have a good structure without a strong foundation and solid framing.
The storms you face can only be survived with a sense of absolute truth and faith in your determination to sacrifice in order for you to achieve your goals and dreams. This is the roof of your home. The core truth stabilizes everything and ties it all together keeping out the weather so your walls don’t rot and your foundation doesn’t collapse. The core truth is the most difficult part of “the core” concept. It requires you to be absolutely honest with yourself and it also depends on your ability to be tough enough not to compromise your values and beliefs. There is no compromise with the truth; it is the line in the sand that must not be crossed. Once you compromise the truth your roof is not protecting you it is failing. What will start out as a single drip of water through a tiny hole will become a huge gaping mess if you aren’t vigilant. So, this week I have some homework for you. Take some time to answer the questions below and really think about the home you are building.
What are the core values you learned in your formative years? Where did they come from and why are they important to you?
What are the core beliefs you have developed during the key moments in your life? What are those moments that led to those beliefs? Why are they important?
What are the core truths that keep your home safe from the things that can tear it apart? Why are those the core truths that you have landed on as your line in the sand?
I would love to know your answers to these questions. I would imagine your insights could be a source of inspiration not just for you but also for myself and the people I visit and work with on a daily basis. Feel free to reach out @jovestickel or leave a message at jovestickel.com. Have a great week and remember as always when your commitment is greater than your feelings you get results.
