Discussion – Core Values
Introduction
Core values are guiding principles that dictate and underlie behavior. They are an individual’s fundamental beliefs. These principles are ingrained deeply and guide our actions. These personal values are the reasons why we do what we do, the way we do it. They define what is important to each one of us in life. Every individual has values, but they differ from person to person. Our upbringing, culture, life experiences, and personalities play a role in forming our values. Defining, understanding, and prioritizing one’s core value set is vital and key to authentic living so that our actions align with what matters to us. These beliefs ultimately determine our character because they dictate our choices in life and how we live. My core values include; health, honesty, autonomy, mutual respect, and learning. This essay will explore these values and discuss their origin. Hopefully, my value set will inspire you to develop your own. So here it is.
Health
Health is my topmost value. I have put a high value on nutrition and fitness from an early age. I have an established daily exercise routine that I mix up every so often. I also do not fancy junk foods and processed sugar. Since early in life, I have had the opportunity to be around military family and friends. This circle of influencers had a significant impact on my decision to be involved in various sports activities. They inspired me to get into sportsmanship and taught me the importance of vitality and health. Some of the veterans that my uncles, Joseph and Sammy, hung out with were in their 60s, yet they appeared to be in their late thirties or early forties. They were so physically fit that I admired the ability to play football with my grandchildren. As Uncle Sammy used to say, “Your body is the house in which you will live on this side of eternity. Take very good care of it because if you do not, only you can bear the consequences of ill health.” As I grew older, I learned the longevity effect that exercise has on the human body.
Honesty
The virtue of being true to self and others comes second. In a pervasive world where people conform to cliques or mainstream culture, it takes courage to be true and act truthfully. My dad used to tell us that though it seems that people who cut corners get ahead, they do not always get far. “Honesty is the best policy,” said he. “When you speak the truth, you do not have to remember what you said. The truth sets you free.” When we got into trouble and my peers lied to get out of situations, I found it hard to give false witnesses. My father would fiercely punish us when we lied and be gracious when we truthfully confessed our mistakes. It felt like a massive burden on my soul, and it would trouble my conscience. It still does to this day.
Autonomy
Autonomy is the ability to be self-directing, especially freedom and moral independence. It is the state of being independent in thoughts and actions. Being introverted, I have always loved my personal space and independence. I prefer to determine my schedule and activities. My father is a businessman, and I have always admired how he enjoys his freedom. He gets to fly out for business trips, enjoy quality family time, and entertain a vibrant social life. As I grow older, I have noticed that I do not like to be rushed or fixed into sudden schedules. I prefer to plan activities in advance and decline impromptu meetings and other social events.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect entails valuing people for who they are regardless of their status. It is having a good opinion of people’s ideas or character, even when you do not agree on everything. It means they are willing to work out issues because they care for one another. My extended family had its share of internal conflicts, but they are closely knit despite the sharp irreconcilable disagreements. One family virtue we all learned from the family strongman, Grandpa, was that respect for others’ opinions was fundamental to human interactions. Though encouraged to think for ourselves and be autonomous, courtesy and mindfulness were instilled into us from an early age.
Learning
My grandfather was 98 when he passed on. I was sixteen. The nonagenarian had a great home library, dedicating a 40ft by 40 ft room to this endeavor. “Build a library, and your house will expand around it,” Grandpa used to say. Being the eldest and nerdy one in my family, I spent many quality hours in his study room. I think my introverted personality also did play a vital role in this respect; I did not have many friends my age. On the reason for his daily reading habit, he emphasized that it kept him sharp and alert. “Leaders are readers,” said he. “Show me a family that reads, and I will show you the people who change the world,” he would say with a grin. Our friendship taught me to become a lifelong learner, an eternal student of life. Since this early exposure to the power of reading good books, I always have a book with me wherever I go. Uncle Sammy still calls me Grandpa’s protégé when I quote various authors in conversations.
Conclusion
Core values define what is important to every one of us in life. Every individual has value, but they differ from person to person. These beliefs ultimately determine our character because they dictate our choices in life and how we live. Our values are formed by factors such as upbringing, culture, life experiences, and personalities. Defining, understanding, prioritizing, and aligning with one’s core values is key to authentic living.
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Question 
Overview
The readings and learning activities for this week have focused on core values, their origins, and the role that they play in our society and in our professional and personal lives. For this essay, you will reflect on the readings and the class discussions on core values.
Discussion – Core Values
Content
In this essay, you will identify and explain 3-5 of your core values.
You will also discuss the origins of these core values.
Organization
Include an introductory paragraph where you grab the reader’s attention, provide a transitional statement, give a clear thesis statement, and map out the 3-5 key points that will support your thesis. (review elements of an introduction)
Include 3-5 body paragraphs where you include details and examples to help you develop and support your key points. (review body paragraph structure)
End your essay with a concluding paragraph where you restate your thesis, summarize your key points, and leave the reader with the “So what?” (review successful concluding paragraphs)