I’m old enough to remember all the attention given to “values clarification”.  It’s a useful exercise for individuals, groups and companies.  But I find there’s something even more fundamental that merits careful – albeit sometimes painful – clarification: my motives.  Why am I doing what I am doing?  I can profess all kinds of values in public but my motives reside in private quarters behind locked doors.  Motives may be closer to the heart than professed values, and thus they actually demand clarification and honest evaluation.

An example to stir the thoughts: “I love serving and helping others” is an honorable sentiment unless it’s driven by motives seeking the esteem, praise and admiration from others that “selfless” service often evokes.  It’s good to do the right thing; it’s even better to do the right thing for the right reason.  The deepest sense of peace and satisfaction will become mine when my motives, values and actions are all in harmony.