Values Case

Success is an abstract topic that is not easy to define; however, it is something that impacts each person. One could define it by saying that success is an accomplishment of some kind of task. An individual might say success is getting an A on a test or project after working really hard on it, or working to join an organization that they find important to them. However, we must look deeper at what success actually is. Rather than looking at a basic definition, I am going to define success as striving for the highest. Success is not motivation, but drive (obtaining something unobtainable). The drive is something that each one of us needs to feel. Drive is unique based upon our own individual values.

A value is defined as a concept that is formed from a belief. Values are unique because they can be broken down into two categories: group and individual. For simplicity, I am only going to focus on individual. Each person has their own values, and in turn, these values dictate how people run their lives. Values not only direct how we live and interact, but also they can be used to define an individual. For example, my values allow for me to work hard to accomplish what I set out to do. So therefore, a strong work ethic is one of my core values. Without my set of values, I would not be the person I am.

Beliefs differ from values in several ways. First, beliefs are basic assumptions about how the world is viewed. These assumptions are our convictions. Our beliefs form the basis of our values. Another difference is that beliefs can be shaped by our experiences. This leads to self-beliefs, which are beliefs that are important to an individual. Both values and beliefs help each person to reach success.

Here is where everything comes full circle. My assumptions about life (may not necessarily be proven) form my perception of the world. These perceptions help to form my opinions as to what is important. At this point, I have formed my beliefs and values. Once I have my values, I now know what is important in my life. Everything that is important to me defines who I am and what I stand for. This is what truly makes me successful and without my beliefs and values, I would not be able to achieve success.