Intrinsic Values

As human beings, we are inherently driven to find meaning in everything we do. Our intrinsic values define the reasons why we believe certain things and act in a certain way. Intrinsic values are inherent because they exist deep down inside of us and motivate our behavior. They help us live life more wholesomely and with a sense of purpose. Having knowledge about the concept of intrinsic values can be useful for various situations, such as finding meaning or balance in one’s life, initiating career development, establishing goals or even just understanding oneself better.

What are Values?

Our values are the “inherent principles, standards, or reasons for guiding one’s behavior, choices and decisions” . To quote David Duchastelais, “values are our most fundamental needs and desires: needs and desires that cannot be shamed or denied.” What makes a value essential is that it represents what we think are the few things in life that we wish to prioritize. Life can only be fulfilling when our values or purposes are fulfilled. Life becomes meaningful and good when all of our values are met through fulfilling tasks and activities. 

How do we Learn Values?

In order to develop our intrinsic values, we have to be aware of them. When we are young, this is an easy task as our developing minds are in a state where we can easily develop and comprehend values. As children grow up and become more analytical, though, this process becomes more difficult. At that point in their lives, it is important for them to always think about their values and why they hold those values. It’s especially important when these new-found tasks don’t match up with what they believe are their values.

To help bridge the gap between learning the importance of intrinsic value learning at a youthful age and later on in life, organizations often hire consultants or teams that aid in the cultivation of these values.

What are Intrinsic Values?

Intrinsic Value is a person’s belief about the things that are good for oneself and the things that are good for everyone else. Some examples of intrinsic values would be “leadership matters,” “talents matter” or “relationships matter.”

How are Intrinsic Values different from Extrinsic Values?

Extrinsic values are defined as those that are dependent on outside stimuli. Extrinsic values include things such as how much money you make or how many friends you have. Intrinsic values, on the other hand, are not based on other influences and operating from within the self. The latter is more honest and requires more effort from the individual to form such values.

Intrinsic values in life can be classified into five categories: Values related to education, work, relationships and personal growth, freedom of choice and autonomy, justice and equity etc.

The Importance of Intrinsic Values:

Teaching an individual to develop his/her intrinsic values helps him or her achieve greater satisfaction,  financial and personal growth, wellbeing and self-actualization. If a person has developed specific intrinsic values such as leadership, he is more likely to take part in career development such as education, business development or sales coordination. A person who has firm and strong intrinsic values is more likely to stick to his moral beliefs and principles even when things get rough. Intrinsic values shape the way we live our life and what we believe in. For example, if a person believes that all people in this world are equal, he is more likely to advocate for political or social change that impacts equality.

Significance of Intrinsic Values:

Intrinsic values are a powerful tool that can be used to empower people. It is the difference between a person who is following her heart and one who has no moral compass to guide him. Intrinsic values guide our every action, thought and decision. Without these values, we don’t know what we are living for and there is no sense of purpose. Knowing about our own intrinsic values helps us live life more meaningfully and with a sense of purpose.

How do I develop my intrinsic value system?

When experts develop our intrinsic value system, they focus on four areas: achievement, affiliation, freedom of choice and autonomy.

1. Achievement:

Achievement values include things such as being a leader, excelling and being independent. Disciplined, goal oriented behavior is promoted. These values help us strive for higher levels of skills, expertise and competition.

2. Affiliation :

Affiliation belongs to the social domain of human needs where we value relatedness and intimacy with others. It is not surprising that you will commonly find people who value achievement also having affiliative intrinsic values. The two are interdependent and support each other in a balanced way to achieve overall success.

3. Autonomy:

Autonomy can be defined as the ability to make choices freely without constraints or pressures of others and how much control an individual has over his/her own life . In other words, if you want to develop intrinsic values, the best way is to practice making decisions and choices for yourself. Don’t let others make the decisions for you.

4. Freedom of Choice:

Freedom of choice is related to what an individual values in his life and what he believes people should do and think in his/her life . These are not ideologies that you have to think of what everyone has to do in life but rather principles that you have to think about. Look at things from your own perspective instead of presenting yourself as someone who wants everyone else’s values.

Intrinsic Values Examples:

1) Values Related to Education:

People who value education highly often prefer to work in different settings that promote their knowledge, skills and expertise instead of working primarily for the sake of money. These people have a strong desire to acquire knowledge or skills in order to be productive and effective. Such people are more likely to participate in training programs or further their education either on a professional or personal level. Examples of intrinsic values would be “education matters” or “knowledge matters.”

2) Values Related to Work:

Workplace organizations that want employees who adopt intrinsic values tend to hire based on performance rather than the place of origin, credentials, sexual orientation, ethnicity etc. Employees with intrinsic values are more motivated, have higher chances of contribution and are less likely to leave the workplace. Examples of intrinsic values would be “work matters” or “contribution matters.”

3) Values Related to Relationships:

People who value relationships tend to gain confidence when they feel a sense of acceptance by other people and can share feelings with them. Such people value working in teams and enjoy helping others with their problems. Examples of intrinsic values would be “relationships matter” or “cooperation matters.”

4) Values Related to Personal Growth:

People who value personal growth tend to focus on their strengths rather than weaknesses and spend time understanding themselves better. These people strive for continuous improvement in all aspects of life .

Conclusion:

The purpose of this article was to understand the intrinsic values system and why it’s important for you to develop your own intrinsic value system. What is important to consider here is that you not only pursue a high income or work in jobs that are interesting but also make sure that your goals support your intrinsic values. You can’t always chase after money, because at some point, they stop being fun and meaningful .