One day, an extraordinary opportunity presented itself for my boys. My oldest son’s best friend, Thomas, worked at a prestigious car dealership. He extended an invitation to both of my boys to visit the dealership, and the highlight of their visit was nothing short of a dream come true – they got to slide behind the wheels of the exotic cars and even take it for a spin. They returned home with great excitement, eagerly recounting their extraordinary experience and generously sharing the photos they had captured during their visit. (A rarity, considering their reluctance to take pictures.) They had encountered the epitome of automotive perfection. They expressed their wish to someday own an exotic car like the one they had marvelled at and driven.
What Makes an Exotic Car – Intrigued by their fascination, I asked my boys, “What makes it exotic?” They passionately listed the features that set these automobiles apart without missing a beat. They extolled the might of the engine, the seamless suspension for a silky-smooth ride, the aerodynamic design for speed, the horsepower for blistering acceleration, the opulent interiors adorned with premium leather for unparalleled comfort, the minimalist dashboard design that exuded elegance, and the state-of-the-art sound system complete with customizable speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers that catered to their unique auditory tastes. They emphasized the car’s exclusivity factor – these cars were manufactured in limited quantities, making them a rare sight on the road. They concluded their list by highlighting the high price tag, which, in their eyes, attested to the sheer quality of these automobiles.
At this juncture, I seized the opportunity to impart a valuable life lesson. “Do you know what truly makes a car powerful?” I inquired, to which they responded Mom, we just told you. I couldn’t help but smile as I revealed the missing puzzle piece: “It’s the brakes.” What good is a car with phenomenal horsepower if it cannot come to a halt? The true might of a car reveals itself when faced with an obstacle, demanding a swift and secure stop.
Why Values are Important
Often, we find ourselves enticed by the allure of power, prestige, immediate gains, societal status, and success. Like brakes are essential for a car’s safety, our true worth resides in our values. While in a race, a select few skilled drivers might exploit acceleration to their advantage, every participant benefits from reliable brakes. Just as brakes are critical for controlling the speed (enables the driver to slow down & stop when necessary), preventing accidents and ensuring protection, values do the same for you.
Values Provide Safety and Control
- Values helps us navigate life’s challenges and help make ethical decisions, ultimately ensuring personal and societal well-being.
Values Prevent Impulsive Actions
- Values provide thoughtfulness and prevent us from impulsive or morally questionable actions.
Values Guide Us In Times of Crisis
- Values come to the forefront during challenging times, guiding us to make ethical and responsible decisions maintaining the moral compass even when facing adversity.
Values contribute to an individual’s integrity, preserving their character, reputation, and relationships over time.
“The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Here are a few of my work values that keep me on track. It’s worth mentioning that I’m not faultless when it comes to these values. However, these guiding principles serve as a means to realign myself when I encounter setbacks.
Uphold Unity and Harmony: I prioritize the values of unity and harmony by avoiding gossip and abstaining from creating divisions among people. My goal is to foster an environment of trust and cooperation. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, ‘Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.’
Choose the High Road: I consistently opt for the high road in all my endeavours, refraining from shortcuts. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, ‘Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.’
Embrace Forgiveness: I make it a point to avoid harbouring resentment in my heart and instead choose to embrace forgiveness. In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.’
It’s your turn. Take time to reflect on the season you are in and your life in general, and write down the values you will uphold yourself to. Your values will serve as a compass guiding you through your professional and personal life.
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