Living on Values

"As you live your values, your sense of identity, integrity, control and inner-directed will infuse you with both exhilaration and peace. You will define yourself from within, rather than by people's opinions or by comparisons to others...Ironically, you'll find that as you care less about what others think of you, you will care more about what others think of themselves and their worlds, including their relationship with you... In addition, you'll find it easier and more desirable to change because there is something - some core deep within - that is essentially changeless."

This seem rather abstract isn't it? Some may even think its a whole load of bullshit...

How often do we find that we try to live up to other's expectations, only to stress, frustrate ourselves; and end up disappointed? How often do we feel that we want others' recognition so much, but up disappointed too? Well... the fact is that we should base our lives on self-estemn and confidence, not basing on others views about us, and Covey states that this can be achieved through a solid foundation of living our own lives based on good values.

The ability to believe in one's values and use them to objectively evaluate the situation isn't something that can be achieved easily. But the confidence and peace of mind that comes along can be very rewarding.