Win Harper | Life and Leadership Coach

Last week I talked about the values clarification exercise I did with my coach.  This week I mulled over, honed, and finally defined my values.  Then I did this exercise from my Coaching Manual:

For each of your top five values, remember a time when you fully honored that value.  Then for each value ask:
a. What defining moment epitomizes each value?
b. What is a metaphor that helps you visualize the defining moment or captures the essence of the experience?

Here are the results of my work:

1. Authenticity – being myself, saying and doing what I believe, trusting myself,  speaking up, owning my magnificence
a. When I am coaching
b. The Rock of Gibraltar

2.   Contribution – to the well-being of others through Habitat For Humanity (HFHI), coaching, donations, listening, being present
a. While working with HFHI
b. The Yin Yang Symbol

3.   Freedom – Knowing what I want; and being able to say “no” to what I don’t want, and to ask for what I do want
a. The last few years at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
b. Sakura – the Japanese Cherry Tree

4. Simplicity – organized, uncluttered, direct in communications
a. While living in my condo after retiring, walking the Appalachian Trail, living in a tent.
b. The Lone Wolf

5. Fun – humor, laughter, being able to laugh at myself
a. Daily enjoying the mysteries and wonder of life
b. The Laughing Buddha

6. Purpose – Being a part of something bigger than myself

7. Connection – being a part of the community and having heart to heart partnerships based on trust and love

8. Teamwork – working with others for the greatest good

9. Growth – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually – reading, studying, taking classes

10. Respect – being accepted for who I am, accepting others for who they are

What are your values?  What are the defining moments for those values?  What is the metaphor that captures the essence of each of your values?