This week, my Ponderings reflect on a theme that has quietly but powerfully shaped every chapter of my life: the importance of knowing and standing by our deep values, and how these guide us and attract the right people into our lives.
Last week, I spoke about ensuring we don’t let “weeds” into our lives, those influences that can strangle our growth and joy. This week, I want to explore how our values become the strong roots that protect and nurture us.
From the young age of 23, I found myself drawn into business challenges that were not of my own making, used at times as a pawn in the ambitions of others. Through it all, a voice stayed with me, my mother’s wise words: “Never drop your standards to those of others.”
Integrity. Reputation. Values.
These have been my foundations in every business I have built or been part of. They have not only been my personal compass but also the beacon that has attracted the right people into my life.
This weekend, I spent precious time with one of my earliest bosses, Rob Jefferson. A strong, determined and tough businessman, yet one who always believed in my style of leadership. Despite my soft soul, he trusted me to lead my way, as a servant leader, putting people at the heart of every decision. His faith in me taught me that strong values and a gentle heart are not weaknesses in business; they are essential strengths. He also taught me that being ‘me’ was the only way forward. Any attempt to match the way other people led due to my imposter syndrome or confidence challenges did not work.
When social networking first rose and evolved, I saw an incredible opportunity for genuine connection, but also sadness. The world exposed its harsher side as we emerged into social media; it revealed how easy it is for values to be overshadowed by noise, ego, and self-promotion.
We have to live with ourselves
In a world that sometimes feels louder and harsher than ever, we must remember: we have to live with ourselves. The environments we find ourselves in can challenge our values daily. Do we conform to values that don’t align with our own, just to fit in? Or do we stand tall, maintain our own standards, and patiently seek the people and opportunities that resonate with who we truly are?
I choose the latter, and I encourage you to do the same.
When we are clear on our values, and when we lead from them, we don’t just protect ourselves. We also create a magnetic force that attracts others who share our hearts, our visions, and our dreams of how business should be.
This week, I invite you to reflect:
- What are your deepest, non-negotiable values?
- Are you living by them, even when it’s hard?
- Who do you want to attract into your life and business?
Thank you for taking time to ponder with me. Never forget, your values are your truest, strongest light in this world.
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