86 Unit 2 Setting and Reaching Life Goals
group. Each group that infl uences you may have
different expectations for you. For example, your
teachers may want you to spend time studying and
doing your best in school while your coaches want
you to practice. Your peer group holds certain values
as well. They may encourage you to be more
independent or to go to social activities.
The ideals or beliefs that your family empha-
sizes are your family’s values. These will form the
base from which you develop your own values.
Many of your values will be similar to your family’s
values, though some may differ.
Your personality can infl uence what is important
to you. For instance, if you have an outgoing temper-
ament, being with other people might be important
to you. This value leads you to spend more time with
your friends. Another family member may value
quiet time for thinking and reading and spend more
time alone. Such differences refl ect each person’s
unique personality.
Identifying Your Values
If you were to list your values, they would fall
into different categories. You might list good health
as one value. Having close friends and a good
job may be others. Your values can be divided
into three categories—personal, relationship, and
work values. Identifying your values in each area
is helpful for decision making.
Personal Values and Your Decisions
Your personal values will be seen in the deci-
sions you make related to personal areas. What is
highly important to you as an individual? a positive
attitude? religious beliefs? physical attractiveness?
Identify some societal, cultural, and family values
that are evident in your school.
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Figure 4.2 Some cultures place a strong emphasis on intergenerational relationships.
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