The Role of Values in Fostering Optimism

The Role of Values in Fostering Optimism: a Valuable Exercise in Identifying and Committing to Personal and Professional Values? by Victor Perton

Maintaining a sense of wellbeing and optimism can be challenging in modern workplaces, some of which are fast-paced and often overwhelming.? Understanding and adhering to personal values is a cornerstone of purpose and wellbeing. When individuals identify what is most important, they gain a sense of direction and purpose. This clarity empowers them to make decisions congruent with their values, leading to more fulfilling and meaningful experiences.

Values identification helps individuals navigate challenges with an optimistic outlook, knowing that their actions are aligned with their deeper sense of self.

A recent study of foundation-year doctors by Chanais Matthias , Christopher Bu, Matt Cohen, Marc V. Jones, and Jasmine Hearn, titled "The role of mindfulness in stress, productivity and wellbeing of foundation-year doctors: a mixed-methods feasibility study of the mindful resilience and effectiveness training programme," illustrates the profound impact of values-based action on optimism.?

Participants in a mindfulness training program learned to recognise their personal and professional values and commit to those values even when faced with stress and adversity. This practice significantly improved their mental wellbeing, resilience, and overall optimism.

By making values-based choices rather than being driven by immediate emotional reactions, the doctors maintained a positive outlook and fostered long-term psychological and behavioural changes. Values-based action not only enhances individual resilience but also promotes flexibility and awareness. When individuals understand their values, they are better equipped to regulate their emotions and responses to external stimuli. This increased awareness and emotional regulation contribute to a more optimistic perspective, as individuals feel more in control of their reactions and more confident in their ability to handle life's challenges. Moreover, committing to values strengthens connections both within oneself and with others. Focusing on their values for the foundation year doctors allowed them to connect more deeply with their work and personal lives. This sense of connection and alignment with one's values fosters a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction, which can be underpinnings of optimism. When individuals feel that their actions are meaningful and aligned with their core beliefs, they are more likely to approach life with a positive and hopeful attitude.

In professional settings, values-based decision-making can improve job satisfaction and productivity. When employees understand and commit to their professional values, they are more likely to engage in work that aligns with their passions and strengths. This alignment enhances motivation and performance, creating a positive feedback loop that further boosts optimism. Employers who encourage values-based action within their organisations can cultivate a more optimistic and resilient workforce, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the organisation.

Optimism and Values

The Dalai Lama once said, "I feel optimistic about the future because humanity seems to be growing more mature; scientists are paying more attention to our inner values, to the study of mind and the emotions." This sentiment is echoed in various leadership perspectives, emphasising the crucial role of values in fostering optimism.

The research aligns with what Professor Paul Mazerolle ,President of the University of New Brunswick , told me: "Optimism for the future is the recognition that our progress as a global community requires human ingenuity, creativity, innovation, knowledge, partnerships, tolerance, and values."

Sian Stephens , Head of HR, People and Culture with the 3P Corporation Ltd, said, "People. People make me optimistic. The more I choose to show up optimistically, the more people I meet with the same values. It has taken me quite a while to build the courage to show up as the person I think I am and have it reflected back that others are ok with that. My reward has been that the more I find the courage to back myself, the more I meet the people I want to hang out with. It's been a process; however, every day now, I find my life full of optimistic people who share that, and it creates more and more optimism, which continues to grow."

Diane G. Tillman , Living Values Author, also emphasises the importance of values in optimistic leadership: "Optimistic leadership is very needed at this critical juncture in the world. While some governments and many NGOs are moving toward positive solutions to the environmental and the plethora of social challenges, other governments and radical groups are engaged in blatant injustice and violence. Optimistic leadership generates hope; it nourishes the belief that all will be well. This belief is important for emotional wellbeing; it fuels greater cooperation and harmony in the community and workplace with tangible benefits in productivity, health and happiness. But optimistic leadership must be paired with values to be sustainable. Optimistic leadership paired with guile and egocentric selfishness deceives over time, generating mistrust, cynicism, and hopelessness, fear or hate. Optimistic leadership paired with respect for others empowers. I feel we need leaders who deeply understand the importance of inclusion and equality. A visible commitment to the values of peace, respect and equality help ameliorate the feelings of exclusion and bitterness which fuel violence and unite us to work for the common good. Optimistic leadership based on respect for all creates hope, positive solutions, a sense of belonging, and humanises us all."

Fiona L. , COO of BBC Worldwide Aust & NZ, highlights the everyday presence of leadership: "As an optimist, I love that leadership inspiration exists all around us if we are prepared to look for it. You can see it watching on the sideline of school or club sport. You can see it in the more tender and heartfelt moments watching as friends or colleagues go through tough times when they keep moving forward. What they are really doing is leading themselves through change. And, you can see it every day in business, in the behaviours and values we expect from each other. What we accept or do not accept defines our leadership."

Chris Reddy , Leadership Coach, notes the importance of optimism in strategy: "A good strategy requires clear goals and aspirations, which by default is future-focused optimism. Successful strategies rely on commitment, momentum and support from others. Bringing these together using a collaborative approach with strong values and positivity, only enhances long term strategic outcomes."

Conclusion

Identifying and committing to personal and professional values is a valuable exercise that can lift optimism and improve overall wellbeing. By aligning actions with core beliefs and goals, individuals can navigate challenges with a positive outlook, enhance their emotional regulation, and foster deeper connections with their work and personal lives. As demonstrated by the experiences of foundation year doctors, values-based action is a powerful tool for strengthening optimism, thus building resilience in the face of adversity. Encouraging this practice in personal and professional contexts can lead to more fulfilling and meaningful lives, characterised by a strong sense of purpose and a hopeful outlook.