The compass was invented more than 2,000 years ago by the Chinese and has developed to become an indispensable tool for navigation. Before its invention, navigation was simply based on some inaccurate estimations using the motion of the stars, the weather or the sighting of some wild birds which helped sailors ascertain the distance to land! In fact, it is reported that the early Vikings who discovered Iceland trusted birds to determine their position on sea and the direction to sail.
In other words, travelers and explorers were simply guessing their way around. The compass has become very useful for different purposes including measuring distance between two points, for navigation by travelers and determining the orientation of buildings by construction engineers among other uses.
Okay, why the talk about the compass?
You see, what the compass is to man is what your values are to you. Your values like the compass, help you to determine your stand concerning issues however controversial they may be. It was Alexander Hamilton who said, “Those who stand for NOTHING will fall for ANYTHING”. I totally agree. Your values help you to navigate through the maze of life; they form your guiding principles and enable you to make decisions about any area of life. In fact, all the decisions you have made thus far is a reflection of your value system; whether it’s your career choice, the way you run your business, your choice of spouse and so on. Without strong values, you will keep guessing your way around life like a sailor without a compass, without clear direction or bearing.
In other words, you could just be lost in the complexity of life’s affairs. I tell people many times – “I might not know what I want but I sure know what I don’t want.” That is a function of my value system.
To be clear about your values, there are 3 questions you must answer honestly. The answers to these questions actually determine your values.
- What is Important to you?
You would have heard the saying that people always make time for what is important to them. Yes! We place priority on what we judge important. You need to regularly ask yourself what matters most to you in life, whether it is family, your faith, money or your career. The answers make up a core part of your values.
- What are you passionate about?
Albert Einstein once said, “I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious”. His passion for knowledge made him value the academics more than other areas of life. You need to ask yourself; “What is that thing that drives me? Your passion is what fuels your actions, it’s the energy that helps you move against all odds. You cannot stop thinking about it. It tugs at your heart every time. Yes, that’s a reflection of your values. Our most intense emotions usually give an indication of what we care deeply about.
- What do you want to be remembered for?
When you mention the names of some great men in history, a theme usually comes to mind that explains your perception of what their lives stood for. For example, when you hear Martin Luther king Jr., you think of freedom and racial liberation. When you hear of Steve Jobs, you think of innovation and technology. When you talk about our own Obafemi Awolowo, you think of free education and governance. The truth is we remember these individuals because of what they stood for – their values. What you want to be remembered for years after you are gone is a reflection of your values which in turn governs and regulate your actions.
I assure you that accurately answering these 3 questions will help you understand your values. The direction your life takes depends on it and remember, you have only one life to live… Make It Count!
