We were discussing value creating boards in class. What actually is the difference between tangible and intangible values?  We agreed on this definition:
“Tangible values are diminished when used, intangible values have to be in use to have any value.”
To me that is not true only in business. I even think that what I value most, will guide my decisions both in business and in my private life. Even if words like “ethical, just, respect” looks nice on a strategy document or when describing my values, they are not of any value if they are not used. At times they even look false, as the values I actually use signals something else.

To come to a place in life when everything seems tossed and tangled is the perfect time to take another look on your values. You could of course go through your valuables too, but my guess is that if they have governed your life so far, you are at this cross roads because you are not satisfied with that.

Have you ever stated your core values? Make a list of what is most important to you, see what guides your action, see what you have forgotten to be. My experience that this is the most powerful untangling tool of all. Do not decide what you are going to do, remind yourself of which values are so important to you that you are not willing to give them up. Then act on that, be true to your intangible values. Make them strong by living by them, make your self strong by being true to what you know to be true.

In November I take part in the NaBloPoMo,  in the BlogHer network. I post every day on “The Untangling Tens” what women do when life gets tangled. These are the ten tools that worked for those I have asked, what are yours?

All pictures in this blog are taken by me, Solveig Mjolsnes.