Covey Values

[Mirtha Shikles]

Thereare certain principles that transcend cultural differences and do not change over time. They determine the ultimate outcomes or consequences of behavior and actions, as much as gravity determines that something will fall when dropped.

Values are important in expressing our individual beliefs and opinions, and they can be used tactically to accomplish certain objectives based on our current circumstances, demands, and needs. Values can ultimately reflect or determine the current but potentially alterable goals that we have in our professional, family, and personal life.

Moreover, principles can ultimately drive your values and goals. Principles can help you determine your goals and values and help you choose between them when confronted with conflicting issues or circumstances.

You can build a personal value system based on principles, which will help you avoid running afoul of their natural consequences. And principles can be a convenient and comforting reference point so you never feel uncertain or find yourself searching for an answer.

When conducting personal planning and setting goals, keep in mind this distinction between principles and values, and consider how both of them can be useful. Consider identifying and outlining the universal principles that you want to embrace and that you want to shape your overall mission.

Then, as you identify the things you value most and the goals you want to pursue in your personal, professional, and family life, you can use these principles as a reference point. You can build your values and goals according to these principles, or you can use them to help you realize where your current values, goals, and behavior may be inconsistent with universal realities about human behavior and interactions.

What are the universal, unchanging principles that you can clearly identify? What are the values that you now hold? Do your current habits reflect those values and, ultimately, do your habits and values reflect the principles that transcend current circumstances and can provide a purpose and mission for your life?

Principles are fundamental rules or ideas that guide thought or behaviour, and constitute a frame of reference for achieving the common good within a society. They are universal by nature. The principle of equality (all human beings are equal before the law, regardless of race, gender, nationality, social status or any other characteristic) is an example of a universal ethical principle.

While principles are external to the individual, values are internal. Your values are your roots. The more aware you are of what your values are, the more connected you are to them and to what is most important to you.

Even if you are not aware of it, the principles and values you abide by are very important in your work and personal life. They determine your priorities and your choices, and therefore your personal management system should take them into account. The GTD methodology uses the 6-level perspective model so that, ultimately, you determine your daily projects and tasks based on what gives meaning to your life, your life purpose.

To shape your life purpose, you must use principles and values. Establishing a set of principles will give you direction whenever you need to make a decision or evaluate a particular opportunity, behavior or situation. Principles are not practiced, but they will be the basis of your values, which will determine what you do and ultimately who you are.

In the coming weeks we will publish a FacileThings update that will bring a redesigned Perspective section. You will be able to write down your principles and values on the same level as your purpose. In this article I was trying to anticipate some concepts that will be useful later ;)

Prior to leading Texas Values (2012), Jonathan headed the First Liberty Institute offices at the Texas Capitol in Austin where he served as Director of Legislative Affairs and Attorney for First Liberty Institute (2007-2012). He frequently presents research, analysis, and testimony before the Texas Legislature, State Board of Education, and other government entities on various issues affecting faith, family, and freedom.

Jonathan Covey is the Director of Policy for Texas Values, a nonprofit group dedicated to fighting for faith, family, and freedom in the state of Texas. Before joining Texas Values, Jonathan worked for a member of the U.S. Congress and then spent over 5 years working in the Texas Capitol Building. He first served as Chief of Staff for a State Representative, and afterward as Senior Policy Analyst for a State Senator. In his Senate position, Jonathan helped manage the policy team and was lead staffer for the Senate State Affairs committee, staffing many public hearings during pro-life and pro-family legislative measures.

Mary Elizabeth Castle is the Director of Government Relations for Texas Values and Texas Values Action, the largest statewide policy organization focusing on faith, family, and freedom in the State of Texas. As the Director of Government Relations, she works daily with the Texas Values team, legislators, and their staff at the Texas Capitol to ensure pro-family values are protected.

Before joining the Texas Values team, Ms. Castle worked under the General Counsel at Midwestern State University, focusing on education policy. She also worked at First Liberty, where she conducted research and performed outreach for attorneys.

Mary Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Southern Methodist University and received her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Texas Tech School of Law. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Austin-based pro-life organization, Embrace Life Initiative.

After volunteering for a local campaign, the summer before her freshman year in college, Megan became increasingly interested in the conservative movement. During her freshman year, Megan attended Youth Leadership School by the Leadership Institute as well as the Student Action Summit by Turning Point USA. Later, she began writing articles for DC Enquirer, a conservative media outlet, and was honored to become the president of the Turning Point USA chapter at UT Austin where she helped to create a community for conservative students on campus.

Upon graduating from the University of Texas, Megan became a full-time team member at Texas Values, where she has the privilege of working to protect Faith, Family, and Freedom every day. In her spare time, Megan enjoys serving at church and spending time with friends and family.

Alex Woodby is the Development Associate with Texas Values, a nonprofit group dedicated to fighting for faith, family, and freedom in the state of Texas. Before joining Texas Values, Alex worked for LegalZoom in their sales department. Prior to that, Alex worked in various other roles utilizing his skills in sales, marketing, and event coordinating. Alex graduated from Baylor University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Corporate Communications. While attending Baylor University, Alex was very involved in church missions locally and abroad. He was also involved in a campus nonprofit group that benefited Mission Waco.

Currently Alex is actively involved with a church plant in the Hutto area. He has also been blessed with the opportunity to serve on the leadership team for a community-wide young adult ministry. Alex currently lives with his wife, Tiffany, in the Georgetown area.

Ashley Fordinal is the Communications Coordinator for Texas Values, a nonprofit group dedicated to fighting for faith, family, and freedom in the state of Texas. Ashley graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a minor in Media Production.

Prior to joining Texas Values, she was the Media Director at a country club outside of Dallas while running her own production company where she was focused on building people up through the power of film. Through her production company, she produced a variety of films. One film she is proud of, is a short film based on the true story of a sex-trafficked survivor for an organization that rescues and restores the lives of boys and girls who have been trafficked.

Brian is a registered patent attorney and managing partner of Russell Ng PLLC. Brian advises his clients regarding intellectual property issues and secures their intellectual property rights by preparing and filing patent and trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Brian has been a board member of Texas Values and Texas Values Action since 2012. Brian served on the State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) of the Republican Party of Texas from 2004-2010 and was a candidate for the State Board of Education.

Kelly J. Shackelford, Esq. is President and Chief Executive Officer of First Liberty Institute. Mr. Shackelford is a constitutional scholar who has argued before the United States Supreme Court, testified before the U.S. House & Senate, and has won numerous landmark First Amendment and religious liberty cases, including the landmark religious liberty victory in the U.S. Supreme Court, American Legion v. America Humanist Association.

3a8082e126