I had dinner with one of my friends down in Tampa at a really good English restaurant appropriately called “The Pub”. It was nice to get to chat with her and talk about work and how things have been going. There was a point in the conversation that really struck me and it was when she asked me, what advice do you have in terms of getting through the program? For me, the answer was pretty simple, but the effect is pretty profound.

Reflection.

It’s the way we can step back and think about things. It’s a way to collect your thoughts and put together action plans. It’s a way that you can figure out things about yourself under pressure situations. I had said that reflection was the most important thing to do during the program because it allows you to really think about what has happened and for you to remember your values.

In everything that you do as a person, your values are always guiding the way. Think of them as beacons of light in the darkness that is life. They are there to guide you on how you make decisions, how you handle certain situations, and help you determine what it really is you want to do in life.

The worst possible thing that could happen in life is losing your way. It would be not knowing what you are currently doing and why you are doing it. Values help you to course correct and guide you to those decisions you have to make.

You gain your values and morals at an early age. You get influenced by your parents, your friends, and your environment. Sometimes while growing up your values can change since it’s human nature to adjust to the surrounding environment. However, there’s always going to be a part of you that doesn’t change. This will make up your core beliefs and dictate what you do.

The moment that you do something contrary to that, you lose a part of yourself. Indeed, you really can’t even consider yourself to be yourself. The values that define you aren’t apparent if you don’t adhere to them.

I gave this advice because it’s important to not lose the sense of yourself as you go through life. Whether it be a job or a life situation, it’s important to feel comfortable with what you’re doing and it’s important to preserve what defines you. Never forget this as you go through life. Take the time to reflect, to really think about what you’re doing and if it matches your values. Make the changes in your life today to ensure that your values align with your actions.

~The Lermz

Michael Lerma

Michael Lerma graduated the University of Notre Dame in 2009 with an Information Technology Management degree. He currently works for The Nielsen Company in their Emerging Leaders Program.