Values are stable long-lasting beliefs about what is important to an individual. They become standards by which people live and make their choices. A belief will develop into a value when the individual’s commitment to it grows and they see it as being important.

Your values form the foundation of your life. They dictate the choices you make and determine the direction that your life takes. Your values will influence your decisions related to your relationships, career, and other activities you engage in. Our values are important because they help us to grow and develop. They help us to create the future we want to experience.

Your values can change in importance at different times in your life. It is necessary to think about your values regularly and decide what is most important at that time.

Some of the important values that students will have to pursue are:

• Achievement  

• Courage

• Creativity

• Determination

• Friendship

• Honesty

• Integrity

• Intelligence

• Kindness

• Learning

• Love

• Perfection

• Simplicity

• Sincerity

• Spontaneity

• Success

• Empathy

• Tolerance

These are simply the things that are important to you in life, so it should be natural to live by them. Values are the things that are important to us, the characteristics and behaviors that motivate us and guide our decisions.

For children to become responsible citizens who care about the world around them, it is essential that they learn these values and respect fellow citizens. We need to teach children about diversity and celebrating the differences among us. Children also need to learn how to empathize with others, manage their own thoughts and emotions, and make responsible decisions based on social norms and personal integrity. 

There are three types of values; students can explore in order to be successful.

1. Character Values

2. Work Values

3. Personal Values

Knowing what is important to them will help them find success in their personal and professional lives.

1. Character Values

Character values are the universal values that you need to exist as a good human being. They are also the core characteristics that employers look for when hiring. Examples of character values include: commitment, loyalty, positive attitude, and respect.

2. Work Values

Work values are values that help you find what you want in a job and give you job satisfaction. It is especially important to understand what your work values are in order to thrive professionally. Examples of work values are: spontaneity, growth, team work and productivity.

3. Personal Values

Personal values are values that help you define what you want out of life and will assist you in being happy and fulfilled. They are the guiding principles of your life. Examples of personal values are: success, popularity, wealth and intelligence.

Values play an important role in the career decisions we make. When our career decisions do not correspond with our personal values, it may lead to dissatisfaction and guilt in our professional life. Following these values and believing in them helps us in a number of ways in making the right career decisions.

Apart from providing food, shelter and clothing, career also shapes one’s personality and adds meaning to life. Nothing can beat the feeling of satisfaction when you know your work is bringing a positive change in your family and society.

‘Living your values’ is about defining what’s important to you and focusing on those things. When you live your values, you have meaning and purpose. It's an empowering state of being.

“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” –Mahatma Gandhi