Purpose, Values, and Dreams

Watch the Ralph Smart video on 10 Secrets People Who Found Their Purpose Won’t Tell You and complete the Core Values and Dreams exercises.

Core Values Exercise
Use the list of value words below to assist with identifying what most resonates with you. You may add your own words to this list.

1. Determine your core values. From the list below, choose and write down every core value that resonates with you. Do not overthink your selection. As you read through the list, simply write down the words that feel like a core value to you personally. If you think of a value you possess that is not on the list, write it down.
2. Group all similar values together from the list of values you just created. Group them in a way that makes sense to you, personally. Create a maximum of five groupings. If you have more than five groupings, drop the least important grouping(s).
3. Choose one word within each grouping that represents the label for the entire group. Again, do not overthink your labels – there are no right or wrong answers. You are defining the answer that is right for you.
4. Add a verb to each value so you can see what it looks like as an actionable core value, for example:
   • Seek opportunities for making a difference.
   • Collaborate with others to promote well-being.
   • Live in freedom by creating greater freedom for all beings.
5. Finally, write your core values in order of priority in your phone, planner, or on the refrigerator, etc., so they are available as an easy reference when you are faced with decisions.

Dreams Exercise
What are YOUR dreams?  Take the time and aim to list 100 of your dreams.  Why so many?  So there is an opportunity to get creative.  Don’t place limitations on yourself.  Dream and write from a stream of consciousness as if anything is possible (anything IS possible).  As you write your dream list, consider these 12 areas to stimulate a good cross-section of dreams.  Some dreams may belong to more than one category.  Here are some examples from each category to stimulate your imagination:

1. Physical:  What aspect of your physical health & wellness would you like to improve?  Consider rest, diet and exercise.
   • Eat healthier
   • More regular exercise
2. Emotional:  What relationships would you like to improve, grow, develop or expand?
   • Be in a mutually beneficial relationship
   • Listen more
3. Intellectual:  If you could speak an additional language, what would you speak?  Assume you have the time, learning materials and support.
   • Learn another language
   • Advance teaching skills
4. Spiritual:  What’s your dream for how you might develop a great sense of inner-peace?
   • Meditate for 5 minutes every day
   • Practice enjoying the moment
5. Psychological:  If you could suspend fear, what activity would you try?  What would you do?
   • Strengthen willpower
   • Overcome my addiction to…
6. Material:  What dream project would you like to complete in your home?  Inside or outside?
   • Buy a new car
   • Own a house on the beach
7. Professional:  What is your dream job?  Suspend financial requirements & responsibilities connected to work and career.  What would you do if you could do anything?
   • Develop a new product
   • Work with a dynamic team
8. Financial:  What’s your dream for how your personal finances will be different?
   • Pay off credit card debt
   • Invest in meaningful projects
9. Creative:  What hobby would you like to grow and develop?  What have you always wanted to try?  What pursuit did you start that you would like to explore again?
   • Write a book
   • Learn to play the guitar
10. Adventure:  If you could travel to any 3 places, where would you travel?  What would you do there?  What do you want to experience?
    • Take a trip around Europe
    • Go rock climbing
11. Character:  What character qualities do you notice in others that you would like to expand on in your own life?
    • Develop patience
    • Stand strong in core values
12. Service:  What organization, cause or charity would you like to support or increase your support toward?  What are your forms of sacred service?  What is important to you?
    • Volunteer for a good cause
    • Do my part to preserve the environment