I was recently asked during an interview an interesting question: “Iwona, what is sustainability?” I’m aware that sustainability has become an important topic over the last few years, along with all the science behind it, climate movements, and activists calling for action to save our planet.
And I get it!
It is indeed a crucial topic. In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
How is it going?
I sometimes wonder if we could introduce a different definition of sustainability. I have the feeling that sustainability can be approached alternatively, focusing first on the core values of a human being. Because, at the end of the day…
Do you know your values?
Could you think right now of three main values so innate to your human beingness that you would never compromise on?
I thought so.
Most people don’t know their values, so why would they even bother with sustainability and the boiling planet? Maybe we just need to change the narrative.
Let me explain. If you don’t know your values, how can you discern what contributes positively or negatively to your life and the planet? Values motivate you to act in one way or another, and if you don’t know which ones are truly yours, how can you act and create in the world?
Imagine if everyone truly knew their values, and these were the core foundations of their human beingness, and they continuously acted upon them, putting their heart and soul into everything they are doing.
Knowing and acting upon your core values lead naturally to more sustainable behaviors. Your actions, driven by your deepest values, impact the world in a deeper and more positive way.
I bet we wouldn’t have any discussions about sustainability because…
that wouldn’t even be a word in our dictionaries, and the climate crisis wouldn’t be a problem at all.
James Clear provides us with a list of 50 values:
- Authenticity
- Achievement
- Adventure
- Authority
- Autonomy
- Balance
- Beauty
- Boldness
- Compassion
- Challenge
- Citizenship
- Community
- Competency
- Contribution
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Determination
- Fairness
- Faith
- Fame
- Friendships
- Fun
- Growth
- Happiness
- Honesty
- Humor
- Influence
- Inner Harmony
- Justice
- Kindness
- Knowledge
- Leadership
- Learning
- Love
- Loyalty
- Meaningful Work
- Openness
- Optimism
- Peace
- Pleasure
- Poise
- Popularity
- Recognition
- Religion
- Reputation
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Security
- Self-Respect
- Service
- Spirituality
- Stability
- Success
- Status
- Trustworthiness
- Wealth
- Wisdom
There is no value on this list that says: “Destruction.” – Just saying.
Pick three of them and define your days based on them, and please, put your heart into everything you’re doing. It will make all the difference. Align your daily choices with the kind of world you wish to live in and contribute to creating.
#Sustainability #Values #ActionForClimate #ClimateAction #PersonalValues #Leadership
Here a list of few exciting things I would like to bring to you attention:
- Invitation: Join us in #London on March 3rd, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. GMT for “Expand Your Impact” designed to inspire creative collaboration and actionable ideas for a better future. This intensive 2-hour workshop will allow you to explore various topics, brainstorm innovative solutions, and learn new perspectives on creativity and leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, share, and ignite change with like-minded individuals. For more details and registration, please visit this page.
- Interviews: I’ve recently had the pleasure of interviewing remarkable individuals. All the conversations have shown me how little I know about life and the world, and how being curious and creative helps me to embrace new ideas and possibilities both personally and for the communities I serve.If you’re interested in being interviewed by me, please send me a private message on Linkedin.
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