Week 4 - Core Values

This week’s focus was on the measurement of our life, specifically on ways that we can determine our life goals and tools that we can use to keep us on the right path towards those goals.

One of the most significant activities this week was working on our own Core Value Statements. After personal introspection, I now clearly understand my number one Core Value Statement (as follows):

Encourager: I strive to see the good in all people and to help them reach their eternal potential. I try and see each and every person in my life as God sees them, placing emphasis on their unique talents and gifts. I believe that ‘the worth of souls is great in the sight of God’ (D&C 18:10) and that it is not vain or prideful to also recognize my own worth.  I will study and pray to strengthen my testimony of this principle and will exercise charity in my daily life to help others find joy in the same message. I will not entertain ideas or activities that do not reinforce and guide me towards my eternal potential. I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who knows my value and has blessed me with the ability me to accomplish significant and inspirational milestones throughout my lifetime.

Being able to set a core value and apply it as a goal in my life gives me direction and purpose. Of course, this goal might evolve over time, or another might take its place in order of priority but outlining what that goal means to me shows me a clear way to move towards achieving it.

Another interesting exercise this week was evaluating and dissecting our fears. This was especially poignant to me because it caused me to really take a look at why my fears exist, not just to focus on what those fears are. We were asked to answer the following prompts and record them in our journals:

1.   If you pursue your calling with discipline, intentionality, and the help of fellow travelers, what are the chances that your worst-case scenario will really happen?

In all honesty, most of my fears are irrational and have a low probability of manifesting in my business. I have been in business for over 10 years and have found that my client stream has remained constant and that I see an increase in business each year. I truly believe that my biggest hurdle is myself, my fears are simply a lack in self-confidence.

2.   As you look at your list of fears, what themes emerge? What is at the core of what you really fear? Financial ruin? The judgment or disapproval of others? Physical harm? Endangering the ones you love? Embarrassment?

As stated above, my fears stem from a lack of self-confidence. Each fear listed is a result of me thinking I’m not good enough, even though years of professional success show me otherwise. Imposter syndrome is a very real issue that I deal with.

3.   What is the risk of taking no action – not following your calling? How do you plan to deal with fear when it pops up on your entrepreneurial journey?

The risk of not continuing to work towards growth and success in my photography business is that I will remain stagnant and lose any momentum that overcoming my fears will afford me. My plan to deal with fears that pop up is to surround myself with positivity and individuals that will remind me of my worth and talent. My husband is a huge part of this growth for me – he is a constant reminder of my potential.

This week was pivotal in helping me recognize my own worth and equipped me with reasoning tools that will help me to overcome my fears and hesitations as I work towards growing my photography business and my personal spiritual growth. Keeping both in line with one another is the most direct way to find success!