How to Define and Strengthen Your Personal Values

personal values

 

 

Understanding Personal Values

Personal values are the core principles that shape our beliefs about what is meaningful, good and important in life. They serve as our moral compass, guiding our decisions and influencing how we conduct ourselves. Whether interacting with others or reflecting alone, our values show up in our personality and behaviour.

Most personal values are formed unconsciously during childhood, shaped by our surroundings and early experiences. However, not all values stem from these influences — some come from a conscious rejection of negative early experiences, as individuals choose to build a different path forward.

Values such as love, honesty, kindness and integrity are examples of moral ideals that can shape priorities and drive behaviour. Knowing our values helps us better understand ourselves, enabling more intentional decisions aligned with our principles.


Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life. 

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) 

Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program.


Steps to Define and Embrace Your Core Values

1. Practice Awareness in Daily Actions

Each day, we encounter situations that require a response, whether through words or actions. Instead of reacting instinctively, pause and consider your response carefully. Using intellect and judgment rather than raw emotion allows you to act in alignment with your values, fostering thoughtful and consistent behaviour.

Trusting “gut feelings” alone can be unreliable, as they’re often fuelled by immediate emotions. In contrast, values are shaped through deliberate thought and reasoning, representing a higher level of self-guidance.

2. Identify Your Motivations

Understanding why you do certain things can help clarify your values. For example, is your motivation to be honest rooted in childhood lessons or a sense of personal fulfillment? Reflecting on the reasons behind your actions strengthens your values and brings them to the forefront, providing a clearer understanding of what truly matters to you.

3. Train Your Conscience

Feelings of guilt are signs of a sensitive conscience, urging us to correct mistakes. Listen to these signals — they help reinforce positive traits and remind us to act in ways that reflect our values. Over time, a well-trained conscience supports the development of character and moral strength.

4. Consider the Consequences of Your Actions

Defining values involves learning to identify choices and understanding their potential outcomes. When faced with options — such as being honest versus dishonest — consider the advantages of taking the high road and the consequences of doing otherwise. Values are built not just by knowing right from wrong but by acting in alignment with your understanding.

5. Reflect on Past Experiences

Reflecting on past mistakes offers valuable life lessons, highlighting areas for growth. For example, a youthful experience of missing curfew may have led to consequences at home, just as tardiness as an adult can impact job performance. Learning from these moments encourages us to adopt values like punctuality, respect and accountability, helping us to grow and improve.

Why Defining Your Values Matters

In a world where social values can seem to shift over time, having clearly defined personal values provides a stable foundation. While societal trends may change, strong personal values remain steadfast, helping you stay grounded and authentic.

Your values represent your commitment to yourself, supporting both personal growth and resilience. By staying true to principles like honesty, courage and resilience, you foster a character that can adapt without sacrificing core beliefs. Embracing well-defined values helps you build a life of integrity, purpose, and fulfillment.


To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Book the call now button

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

Michael W

 

 

 

 

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

P.P.P.S. You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life. 

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) 

Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

P.P.P.P.S. If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program.

 

 

 

 

Photo by Patrick Langwallner on Unsplash

 

Self-Care for Emotional Recovery

rejection

 

Why Emotional Self-Care Matters After Rejection

Learning to handle rejection is essential for emotional well-being. Rejection is like an emotional wound, and applying “emotional first aid” is crucial for healing. Although physical injuries prompt us to seek immediate treatment, emotional pain is often left unaddressed, leading to long-term impacts on mental health.

This lack of attention to emotional pain can create deeper wounds over time. Building skills to manage rejection not only helps us but also equips us to teach our children how to respond to similar experiences, potentially reducing their risk of anxiety and depression.


Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance


Tips for Emotional Healing After Rejection

1. Listen to Your Pain

When rejection strikes, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the hurt. Take a moment to understand the pain rather than suppress it. Ask yourself: what caused this experience? This reflection allows you to pinpoint the specific trigger rather than generalizing the rejection to your entire self-worth. Focusing on the exact incident, rather than assuming it reflects your overall value, helps avoid self-criticism and keeps your perspective grounded.

Recognizing the root of the pain allows you to respond with compassion and objectivity, giving you the emotional stability to move forward.

2. Nurture Your “Internal Parent”

In the absence of a supportive friend or family member, activate your inner “Internal Parent.” This is the part of you that offers the same love and encouragement that a caring parent would. Self-nurturing not only provides immediate comfort but also builds emotional resilience, helping you handle future rejections with greater self-compassion and maturity.

3. Embrace Forgiveness

Forgiveness is essential to moving forward. While it can take time, forgiving those who have hurt you allows you to release past pain and start fresh. By letting go of resentment, you open yourself to new experiences without the weight of old wounds.

4. Challenge Negative Thoughts

After understanding the pain, it’s time to “bandage” the emotional wound by reframing negative thoughts. Rejection often blinds us to three powerful truths:

  • You are loved: Remember that there are people who care for you deeply, regardless of any setback.
  • Control is limited: Many factors are beyond our control; rejection is often part of life’s unpredictability.
  • Your inner strength matters most: While you can’t control others’ opinions, you can control your response and choices.

Shifting focus to these truths helps reinforce that rejection doesn’t define your worth. Over time, this resilience becomes part of your emotional toolkit, empowering you to approach future challenges with confidence and a sense of self-worth.

Practising self-care after rejection strengthens emotional intelligence, creating a foundation for future growth. By addressing emotional wounds with understanding, nurturing, forgiveness and positivity, you can heal and continue your journey with renewed resilience.


To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Book the call now button

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

Michael W

 

 

 

 

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

 

 

 

Photo by Ihor Malytskyi on Unsplash

Embrace Self-Promotion: Unlock Your Potential

self-promotion

 

 

Is Self-Promotion Really That Uncomfortable?

Claiming credit for your achievements may feel challenging, yet it often costs nothing while creating valuable opportunities. Many, however, find self-promotion uncomfortable and worry it might come across as boasting. This reluctance often links to self-worth, but also stems from upbringing and cultural expectations. Families or societies that value humility might unknowingly discourage even healthy expressions of pride, making self-promotion feel foreign or difficult.


Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance


What Does Self-Promotion Entail?

Self-promotion means confidently recognizing and sharing your accomplishments. Far from “showing off,” self-promotion is a valuable leadership skill that enables others to see your contributions clearly. This art can be learned and refined, allowing anyone to promote themselves without seeming self-centred or egotistical.

Signs of Reluctance to Self-Promote

If you avoid self-promotion, you might recognize these tendencies:

  • Underplaying Your Role: You work hard and deliver exceptional results but avoid taking credit, especially around senior colleagues.
  • Always Using “We” Instead of “I”: Sharing credit excessively might keep you feeling humble, but it can also prevent personal recognition crucial for career advancement.
  • Hoping Hard Work Will Speak for Itself: Believing that your effort alone will gain attention can be counterproductive, especially if you depend on others noticing you.
  • Brushing Off Compliments: If you attribute your success to luck or external factors, you may inadvertently downplay your skills and effort.

How to Promote Yourself Effectively

Successful self-promotion doesn’t mean becoming overly self-focused. Here are practical ways to elevate your self-promotion skills without feeling uncomfortable:

  • Practice Self-Awareness: Understand your own strengths, values and beliefs through self-reflection. Recognizing what might be holding you back allows you to promote yourself thoughtfully and authentically.
  • Tell Compelling Stories: Share stories about your achievements that add value and avoid exaggeration or self-deprecation. Make sure they match the accomplishment, and let them reflect your contributions accurately.
  • Deliver Consistently on Promises: Earn respect by doing what you commit to. Fulfilled promises speak volumes, enabling others to see your achievements without you having to oversell them. Consistency makes self-promotion credible.
  • Acknowledge Others’ Contributions: Genuine gratitude toward others who helped you along the way highlights your leadership qualities and makes your achievements even more admirable.

Embrace Self-Promotion to Maximize Opportunities

Self-promotion may feel daunting, but effective self-promotion can reshape your professional journey. For many, it’s the key to standing out, realizing untapped potential, and overcoming challenges. Are you ready to let your achievements speak more confidently on your behalf?


To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Book the call now button

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

Michael W

 

 

 

 

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

 

 

 

 

Photo by Oswald Elsaboath on Unsplash

Are You Open-Minded or Stuck in Your Ways?

open minded

 

Understanding Narrow-Minded vs. Broad-Minded Thinking

Are you narrow-minded or broad-minded? Most people would likely describe themselves as broad-minded, but are they really? It’s easy to assume we’re open to new ideas, yet many may unknowingly display signs of narrow-mindedness.

Narrow-minded behaviour can impact others negatively — causing discomfort for family, friends and colleagues, often resulting in strained conversations and social distance. On the other hand, broad-minded individuals attract others with their welcoming, approachable demeanour, making them natural connectors.

If you recognize any narrow-minded traits in yourself, it’s possible to change. Personalities aren’t fixed, but flexible. With intention and effort, you can foster greater openness and develop into a more emotionally balanced, positive individual.


Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance


Indicators of a Narrow-Minded Perspective

Imagine you’re brainstorming at work, planning a trip with a partner or making big decisions with family. Do you believe your ideas are the best and feel baffled when others don’t agree? It might seem like you’re simply confident, but pushing your ideas without openness to others’ input is a narrow-minded habit.

Sometimes, this behaviour stems from an “I know best” mindset, where differing ideas are dismissed. This approach often appears as arrogance, even if it’s unintentional. In other cases, it might come from a “me-first” attitude, where self-interest overshadows empathy, leaving little room to genuinely consider others’ needs.

Narrow-mindedness can also include judging others based on race, culture or status. Such biases can be subtle yet harmful, and they often go unacknowledged. By asking, “How would I feel in their position?” you can begin to assess your biases and take the first step toward change. Embracing self-reflection is an essential part of shifting toward a more open-minded perspective.

Signs of Broad-Mindedness

Broad-minded people see diversity as a strength. They value differences in opinion and recognize that different perspectives can lead to more creative and effective solutions. Broad-minded individuals avoid judging others based on superficial traits and appreciate everyone’s unique potential.

These individuals are also willing to listen to alternative ideas and adapt to new approaches. They welcome change and understand that cooperation and collaboration lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. Broad-mindedness is about inclusivity, respect and a willingness to grow through shared experiences.

Advantages of Being Broad-Minded

Broad-mindedness brings many benefits, starting with greater success. Being open to new possibilities — whether that’s a career shift, higher education or a move — allows for personal and professional growth. This adaptability leads to better decision-making and resilience in life’s changes.

Additionally, a broad-minded outlook helps manage expectations, reducing the stress that comes from demanding too much of oneself or others. This realistic approach prevents undue strain, which can lower health risks associated with stress, such as hypertension, diabetes and depression.

Socially, broad-minded people tend to have more fulfilling relationships, both personal and professional. Their positive outlook fosters a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle, attracting meaningful friendships and connections. In short, a broad-minded attitude can lead to a happier, more successful life.

Embracing a more open-minded approach is an achievable path to personal growth, healthier relationships and greater happiness.


To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Book the call now button

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

Michael W

 

 

 

 

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

 

 

Photo by Tsunami Green on Unsplash

Building Confidence by Overcoming Life’s Obstacles

problems - obstacles

 

Let’s talk about building confidence through overcoming obstacles. Each time you face a challenge or push through a difficult situation, you emerge a little stronger, a little more confident and better equipped to handle future hurdles. Confidence doesn’t come from a single moment of success — it’s built through a series of small victories that show you are capable of facing difficulties and coming out on the other side.


Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance


Obstacles are often the breeding ground for self-doubt. When you encounter a setback, whether it’s a failed project, a personal disappointment or an unexpected roadblock, it’s easy to question your abilities and worth. But it’s important to remember that these moments of adversity also hold immense potential for growth. Every challenge you overcome becomes a building block in the foundation of your confidence. It’s in these moments that you prove to yourself that you are capable of handling difficulties, learning from mistakes and moving forward, even when things don’t go according to plan.

Confidence isn’t about having everything go perfectly or never encountering failure. In fact, it’s the opposite — true confidence comes from knowing that you can face failure, setbacks and difficulties without being defeated by them. Each obstacle you overcome teaches you something new, whether it’s about your abilities, your resilience or how to approach problems differently in the future. These experiences add to your internal bank of successes, which you can draw on the next time self-doubt arises.

The more obstacles you face and overcome, the more evidence you gather that you are capable of success. This evidence helps to quiet the voice of self-doubt because you have proof that you can handle challenges. Over time, your mindset shifts from “I don’t know if I can do this” to “I’ve handled tough situations before, and I can do it again.” This shift is incredibly powerful because it changes the way you approach new challenges. Instead of being overwhelmed by the fear of failure, you begin to see obstacles as opportunities to grow and build your confidence.

One of the most important things to understand about building confidence through overcoming obstacles is that the process is cumulative. Each small victory builds on the one before it. Whether it’s solving a difficult problem, learning a new skill or navigating a personal challenge, every time you push through and succeed, you’re adding to your confidence reserve. This accumulation of experiences creates a solid foundation that makes it easier to face bigger and more complex challenges in the future. It’s like building a muscle — the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.

Actionable Step: When faced with a challenge, try reframing it as an opportunity to build your confidence. Instead of focusing on the difficulty of the situation, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this? How will overcoming this obstacle make me stronger?” This mindset shift helps reduce feelings of self-doubt by focusing on growth rather than fear of failure. After you overcome the obstacle, take time to reflect on what you accomplished and how it added to your confidence. This reflection reinforces the idea that challenges are not threats — they are opportunities for growth.

A common pitfall is expecting confidence to come without any struggle. Confidence isn’t something that happens overnight, and it’s not something that exists in the absence of difficulty. In fact, confidence is forged in the fire of challenges. If you wait until you feel perfectly confident before taking on a challenge, you might never take action. But by facing obstacles, even when you’re unsure of the outcome, you gradually build the confidence you’re seeking. The key is to take action despite your doubts, knowing that the process itself will strengthen your confidence over time.

Another important aspect of building confidence through obstacles is learning to embrace discomfort. Challenges are often uncomfortable, and that discomfort can trigger self-doubt. But discomfort is a sign that you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone, which is where real growth happens. If you only stick to what’s comfortable and familiar, your confidence will remain stagnant because you won’t have the opportunity to prove to yourself that you can handle more. By embracing discomfort and pushing through it, you build resilience and confidence in your ability to handle difficult situations.

It’s also helpful to remember that confidence is not about never experiencing self-doubt. Even the most confident people have moments of uncertainty or fear. The difference is that they don’t let those doubts stop them from taking action. They’ve built up enough confidence through past experiences that they trust themselves to handle whatever comes their way, even if they don’t have all the answers in the moment. This trust in yourself is what allows you to keep moving forward, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Building confidence through obstacles also involves reframing failure. Often, self-doubt stems from a fear of failure or making mistakes. But when you view failure as part of the learning process rather than a reflection of your worth, it becomes less intimidating. Every time you fail, you gain valuable insights that can help you succeed the next time. In this way, failure becomes a stepping stone to greater confidence, rather than something to be feared. The more comfortable you become with failure, the less power it has to undermine your confidence.

Another key point is that confidence isn’t about doing everything alone. Overcoming obstacles doesn’t mean you have to go it alone — it’s perfectly okay to ask for help or seek guidance when needed. In fact, reaching out for support is a sign of confidence because it shows that you’re secure enough to acknowledge when you need assistance. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of people who encourage you, offer feedback and help you navigate challenges can significantly boost your confidence as you tackle obstacles.

As you continue to overcome obstacles, you’ll also develop a greater sense of self-awareness. You’ll start to recognize patterns in how you respond to challenges and which strategies work best for you. This self-awareness is an important part of confidence because it allows you to approach new challenges with a clearer understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement. When you know yourself well, you’re better equipped to navigate difficulties with confidence because you have a realistic understanding of what you’re capable of and how to leverage your strengths.

Building confidence through overcoming obstacles is a lifelong process. There will always be new challenges, new uncertainties and new opportunities to grow. But the more experience you have with facing and overcoming difficulties, the easier it becomes to trust in your ability to succeed. Over time, this trust becomes second nature, and self-doubt starts to fade into the background. You no longer need constant validation or reassurance because you’ve built a solid foundation of confidence that can weather any storm.

In the end, confidence is not something that you either have or don’t have — it’s something that you build through experience. By facing obstacles head-on, learning from failure and pushing through discomfort, you create a reservoir of confidence that you can draw on in any situation. This confidence doesn’t come from never facing challenges — it comes from knowing that you can handle them when they arise. And with each challenge you overcome, your confidence grows stronger, making it easier to face whatever comes next.


To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Book the call now button

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

Michael W

 

 

 

 

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

 

 

 

 

Photo by Ron Lach