Violation

Dear Essentialists,

Sometimes we learn what our values are only in their violation. 

Matthew McConaughey shares how he discovered this in part II of our conversation on this week's episode of the What's Essential podcast. 

When he was eighteen, Matthew left home for Australia as an exchange student. 

Visions of exotic experiences and endless white beaches were soon dashed when, instead, he found himself in a remote area of the Australian desert living with a family far different from his own. 

One night his host parents made a bold request. For the rest of his stay, they wanted him to call them Mum and Pop. 

This awoke something in Matthew. 

“I have a Mom and Dad. And they're alive!” he replied. 

They insisted. But Matthew wouldn't budge.

“I won’t do that!” he said, calling them by name as he left the room. 

Matthew found strength in this experience. For the first time, it forced him to take a stand - to say what he would not do. That night, he learned his loyalty to his own family was non-negotiable.

A line had been drawn.

Have you had a similar experience? One where you discovered your values because they were challenged?

Defining what's non-negotiable helps you establish boundaries.

Here's how to do this today:

• List 1-3 of your non-negotiable values. Start with what's readily recognizable (e.g. relationships, honesty, faith).
• Use this list to help you create clear boundaries based on what's Essential to you. 

When we eliminate what we won't do, it becomes easier to recognize what we need to do.

In gratitude, 

Greg

p.s. Make sure to join me and my friend Jon Acuff, tonight, Wednesday, May 5th @ 6pm ET for a Virtual Book Launch hosted by the Next Big Idea Club. Register for the FREE event here!