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Chapter 7 Learning About Yourself
Your Values
Values are all the beliefs, ideas, and objects that are
important to you. People have different values. Your family,
friends, and community influence your values. Your life
experiences and religious beliefs also influence them. See 7-5.
Each individual has a unique set of values. Consider
yours and be honest with yourself. Try to decide what is most
important to you. Then try to act according to your values.
If education is important to you, put your best efforts into
your schoolwork. If you appreciate good health, take time to
exercise and learn about nutrition.
Besides personal values, you also have work values. These are
related to work that is important to you. Some common work
values are listed in 7-6. Take time to think about what you want
from your work. Some of your values may be the same personally
and professionally. People who value honesty with family
members and friends also believe it is important with coworkers.
Being able to identify what is important to you will help
you make career choices. If you believe time with your family is
important, you would not be happy traveling for long periods.
If you seek creative outlets, you would not enjoy working on a
factory assembly line. If you value high status in the community,
you might want to become a doctor or police officer. Consider
your personal values and work values when you choose a career.
Community
Connections
Interview someone you
admire, based on your
values. (Your values
may include honesty,
health, family, friends,
religion, and education,
among other topics.)
Write a paragraph that
explains why you admire
the interviewed person.
7-5
Beliefs, ideas, or
objects that are
important to you
are your values.
Values
Honesty Are you always sincere and truthful? Do you
expect the same in return?
Health Do you enjoy practicing good health habits? Do
you eat right, exercise, and get enough rest?
Family,
Friends
Do you like to be surrounded by the people you love,
or do you prefer to see them only at certain times?
Religion Do you have certain beliefs or rituals that must be
maintained?
Education Do you enjoy gaining knowledge? Do you want to
earn an advanced degree?
values
All the beliefs, ideas, and
objects that are important to
an individual.
Your
Reading
How do your values
affect career choices?