Core values champions live by

          By Bayo Ogunmupe

     Your character is defined by values which is why your values are the results of your behaviour. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle said it best:"Men acquire a particular quality by constantly acting in a particular way." For example, while you always tell the truth, you become an honest person. And yet, we collectively underestimate the importance of values. We think our values determine how we are perceived. But that is not why values are important. Values impact greatly on our inner world, our subconscious mind. They define us. They are the foundations of our character. And since you have to live with yourself, your values become indispensable to your life.

     But what if you have no values? Sadly, there are terrible risks involved with living without values. You risk becoming a faceless individual indistinguishable from any other faceless person that has ever lived. Then unknowingly you adopt the values of other people. That is how you become dependent on your parents, friends or spouse. But you should never allow your identity depend on the identity of another person. This is why I am sharing my personal core values with you. I recommend you to define your values. Once you know who you are in life, you will desist from imitating the foibles of others. Thus, knowing yourself will grant you peace and tranquility.

     Here are my value; One: authenticity: Be the same person on every occasion in life. Don't act differently in front of your parents, friends, coworkers, in-laws and strangers. To thy own self be true and never fear the judgment of others. Two; truthfulness: Tell the truth at all times. Don't pretend to have money when you don't. Be honest about who you are and your skills. Unlike the Balogun of Oyo, Dr Omololu Olunloyo, who has had 45 public service appointments and two university scholarships concurrently during his life, as he told the Yoruba Unity Forum at Ikenne recently. Some of us have never gotten such benefits, yet we're paying our bills with those living off the public purse having nothing to show for it. Which is why we can look at ourselves in the mirror with pride.

     Three, joyfulness: Life is short so do things that bring you joy. What you think you become; what you feel you attract and what you imagine you create. Enjoy the small things in life such as music, hanging out with friends and reading.  

    Four, curiosity: Get to the bottom of everything that you do. Not because you must but because it is fun. Become an authority in your field. As a journalist I don't go to bed until after network news at 10p.m. I listen to the Voice of America every morning for 90 minutes from 4a.m. Which is why my colleagues call me 'Encyclopedia.' Acknowledge that life is fascinating and try to understand it. Curiosity led me to know that of the population of Japan, both Christians and Muslims are less than five percent, yet Japan is a most prosperous nation on earth.  The Japanese live longest on earth.It means to me that God has no religion. That the Almighty is a God of laws not of caprice.

     Five, Responsibility: own your actions; take full responsibility for every action you take. Understand what's in your control and own it. If don't like something, change it. The location of your abode gives you concern, change it, relocate to a more congenial place and work. Focus on yourself and eschew responsibility for things not on your plate. 

Six, Love: Build intimate relationships with a few people. The depth of relationships matter more than breath. Spend more time with your family more than your coworkers. Get to know your siblings more deeply and have not more than three intimate friends that you hang out with. The people you see everyday should get your highest priority.

     Seven, fearlessness: Do not fear anyone or the future. Never be afraid of what people who don't care about you think or say. Only care about what you and the people you love think about you. Every other thing is noise. Eight, loyalty: even you might not see your old friends, coworkers or teammates,stay loyal. Once you build a bond with someone, don't break it unless it is absolutely necessary. But most importantly, be loyal to yourself and never sacrifice your own mental well-being for others. Treat yourself as you treat your loved ones. Your values must be in line with who you are. Never copy anyone else's values; don't compromise your uniqueness and cultivate self-awareness to keep you from straying into the wilderness.