A person is a reflection of their values. Here’s what I value.

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1. Strength

Mental Strength

• Possesses discipline
• Persistent
• Adversity is welcomed
• Problems are dealt with rationality

Physical Strength

• Approaches their limits of physical fitness
• Functionally capable and puts strength to good use

To be physically strong is to be physically prepared. Physique is a byproduct, vanity should never be the goal.

Emotional Strength

• Use emotions as a signal, but not controlled by them
• Possesses emotional intelligence
• Observes and welcomes all emotions in the human experience
• Understands when they’re emotional and knows how to proceed

2. Intention

• Lives an examined life
• Eliminates doubt and gains conviction by thinking independently
• Defines what matters, and acts in accordance to this
• Not influenced by group think
• Fearless in thought, no idea is scary to think through its entirety
• Clear about priorities

3. Respect

• Treats each human with respect

This is easy when you understand that no one is special (or not special). We’re all byproducts of the micro-interactions of life. If someone was born in the exact position as me, they’d turn out to be me. The same holds for me to them.

Respect is easy when you see yourself in everyone—the human.

4. Awareness

• Aware of their faults
• Constantly questions whether their thinking is fallacious
• Understands their true nature, tendencies, though patterns
• Self reflects
• Introspects
• Constantly scrutinizes
• Learns

We are each as fallible as the next—don’t forget this. It’s OK to not be perfect, try to recognize where you fall short.

5. Ego-less

• Detached from the notion of the self.
• Not interested in attention or acclaim
• Minimizes themself
• Minimizes pride; carefully chooses if and when something inflates their ego

Ego is a blinding force. We should work hard and long to diminish the ego. Accept being be less blind. Strive for 20/20 vision.

6. Reliability

• Accountable
• Consistent
• Only makes promises that are kept
• Trusted
• Responsible

We live in a extremely connected world; strive to ensure that any connection to you is reliable. That is, people can trust you and count on you.

7. Focus

• Devotes time and energy where useful
• Maintains a clear mind
• Has an understanding of their capacity
• Ability to utilize capacity in best way possible

Should not be confused with productivity. A busy life is not a productive one. A productive life is not an enticing one. Rest—but be focused on rest when you’re resting.

8. Kindness

• Kind
• Smiles and laughs
• Non-violent

Not to be confused with a people-pleaser.

As long as the other values are not compromised, treat everyone kindly. Avoid circumstances where kindness is not an option. If it comes to it, respect can be maintained.

9. Honesty

• Honest when it matters
• Tactful when it matters

If you honestly feel like dishonesty is the right thing to do—then act on it.

Dishonesty should never be justified by discomfort, though.

10. Value

• Knowledgeable
• Resourceful
• Creates value for others

In attending to these values, I hope to converge to the most valuable person I can be. I believe there’s some sense of purpose in transcending your limits and striving to be valued by those around you. As a son, parent, husband, father—I want to add value.

Am I all these things? (answer: no)

I’m most certainly not—especially not in the capacity I’d want to be in them. These values each exist on a spectrum. I value these things because they’re challenging. Identifying them is the first step in converging upwards on the spectrum.

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Last Revised: May 27th, 2021.

(While values shouldn’t necessarily be malleable, life experience will certainly encourage me to update this list as new evidence presents itself.)