Guideline for Achieving an Erect Posture
Personal values act as an inner compass, providing orientation when external factors seem unreliable. This concept is central to logotherapy, a therapeutic approach developed by psychiatrist Viktor Frankl. According to logotherapy, personal values for inner stability and self-worth are identified through a process of discovering meaning and purpose in life.
Logotherapy encourages individuals to look beyond themselves and engage with the world in a meaningful way. Key aspects of this process include exploring and embracing values that persist despite life’s challenges, recognizing that even suffering can reveal meaningful values, and shifting focus from self-interest to self-transcendence. This transcendence often involves connecting with something greater than oneself, often through serving others or pursuing higher values.
In practical terms, individuals identify their personal values by reflecting on what gives their life meaning, particularly in the face of hardship, and aligning their actions accordingly. This process often includes reflecting on past experiences to detect recurring themes and meaningful patterns, engaging in value clarification where values are articulated and prioritized, and setting meaningful goals based on these identified values.
Adopting such values often feels like a duty, and some people may live out of harmony with their values, having unconsciously adopted them from their parents or culture. However, only consciously chosen values can fully unfold their psychological power. It is crucial to regularly question which values have been adopted and which ones truly belong to an individual.
Acting in line with personal convictions can make one feel honest, powerful, and capable of action. Values like compassion, honesty, or friendship strengthen self-worth, according to psychologist Stefanie Stahl. These values can serve as a guiding principle in daily life, helping navigate challenges and maintain self-worth. It's not about perfection, but about awareness in examining decisions in the light of personal values. The more often decisions are examined in the light of personal values, the stronger the feeling of alignment with oneself.
For those seeking guidance, the University of Brunswick has a PDF guide and value list available for finding personal values. Additionally, card sets are available from various providers to help identify one's top values. By consciously choosing and aligning with personal values, individuals can find inner stability and self-worth, not from external validation but from an authentic commitment to what truly matters.
Science can assist individuals in identifying personal values through various methods, such as questionnaires or self-reflection tools, which are often used in education-and-self-development and personal-growth programs. Health-and-wellness, as well as mental-health, can benefit from a clear understanding of personal values, as they contribute to an individual's overall sense of well-being and provide a foundation for making decisions that promote wellness. Logotherapy proposes that these values become even more significant during life's challenges, serving as a source of meaning and purpose for individuals, ultimately leading to self-transcendence and personal growth.
