Staying True to Values and Continuing to Grow

May 8, 2021

    This week, the focus of the assignments provided was geared to have us think about what matters to us, and to understand the importance of being ethical and honest in our business practices as well as in our non-vocational lives. 

    On the surface, this is an easy concept to grasp. You say to yourself: "Stealing is wrong, so I won't steal." It almost seems silly to need to state and restate such simple personal guidelines. But, the world has a way of over-complicating everything, and even our core values can become difficult to recognize if we spend enough time in the grey area of what's right and what's wrong. 

    Unfortunately, the most difficult part of staying true to our beliefs comes from the fact that many others will cross our paths who do not share the same beliefs. Some will openly reject values such as honesty in our dealings with our fellow men. Others - more dangerously - will claim to believe as we do in theory but practice in ways which contradict our personal values. When we meet these individuals, we may begin to question truths we came to understand and adhere to for as long as we can remember. It's important to have integrity and stand up for what we already know, lest we lose that knowledge to the guessing game so many others play with in life.

Lessons Learned

• Pay attention to your own personal values and beliefs. 
• Continue to seek knowledge and pursue the things which you have a passion for.

Lessons Not Yet Learned

• What trials might I come upon which will challenge my sense of ethics and personal values? Basically, as I am not a fortune teller, I won't know until I've undergone the trials for myself.

A Reference and Categorization Method

    The case study involving Magdalena Yesil provided a refreshing perspective on the importance of staying true to your personal goals, understanding your personal values, and overcoming challenges in your own way. I was impressed by her story, and reading it reinforced my opinion on the importance of seeking new learning at every given opportunity. The focus is not supposed to revolve around accomplishment or success - but on growth and on enjoying the journey.