Values in Your Inbox: Find Clues in Your Messages (Tuesday Tip #10)
Have you ever noticed how certain emails, texts, or messages instantly boost your mood or spark enthusiasm? Your inbox isn't just a place for communication; it's a goldmine of insights into your personal values.
Why Your Inbox Matters
Messages that energize or excite you are rarely random. They're signals highlighting what genuinely resonates with you. Whether it's helping others, solving intriguing problems, or planning new adventures, recognizing these patterns can clarify your values and help guide your decisions and actions.
Identifying Energizing Patterns
Try this simple inbox reflection exercise:
1. Quick Scan: Look at recent emails, texts, or messages.
2. Note Your Feelings: Which messages made you feel excited, motivated, or uplifted?
3. Identify the Reason: Was your enthusiasm sparked by:
- The topic (helping others, creative projects, problem-solving)?
- The sender (a specific friend, colleague, or family member)?
Turning Insights into Actions
Once you notice patterns, use these insights to guide your future actions. For instance:
- If conversations about helping others energize you, seek more opportunities for collaboration and support because you might value Cooperation or Service to Others.
- If solving problems excites you, pursue projects that challenge your thinking and innovation because you might value Creativity or Personal Growth.
- If adventure planning sparks joy, prioritize new explorations in your schedule because you might value Experiences or Leisure.
- If it was the sender who excited you most, then you might value Friendships, Community or Belonging.
What was your favorite message, email, or text this past week, and which value does it highlight?
Every Tuesday, we offer Tuesday Tips on the Values Identifier Facebook page and here in blog form. These tips offer thoughts and ideas to help you live a life more aligned with your values.
