From Stuck to Unstoppable Blog

The Values That Shaped Us and the Ones That Now Matter Most

Written by Katie Scullin Long | Mar 13, 2025 7:48:52 PM

Is It Time to Redefine Your Values?

Last week, my daughter was recognized at school for her perseverance. She learns in her own way, but when faced with a challenge, she digs in and does the work. Watching her push through made my heart swell—perseverance was a core value in my family growing up, and seeing it reflected in her felt like a full-circle moment.

That moment made me pause and ask myself:

  • Which values have I inherited from my family, culture, and environment?
  • Which have I passed on—to my kids, my colleagues, my teams?

Some values feel like second nature, like a second skin we never think to shed. But do they still align with who we are and where we’re headed?

When they do, they provide a sense of purpose. When they don’t, they can weigh us down.

Growing Into—and Out of—Our Values

To my surprise, some values I once resisted now resonate deeply as I enter a new phase of my career. Over the last few years, my time has been too heavily weighted toward work commitments—long hours, high stress, always pushing for the next thing. At the time, that focus felt necessary. But now, in this season of my life, my priorities are shifting.

My children are at a crucial stage, where they are highly impressionable and need more of my time, making my presence and guidance more important than ever. At the same time, I’ve found that my greatest professional fulfillment doesn’t come from simply working hard—it comes from helping leaders break through plateaus and reach their potential.

I’m leaning into where I’m needed most, both personally and professionally.

Sometimes, we grow into our values. Other times, we need to let them go.

What About You?

  • Which values still guide your career?
  • Which no longer fit?
  • And which ones, despite past resistance, are now shaping your path forward?

Values aren’t static—they evolve as we do. The real challenge is recognizing when to hold onto them and when to let them shift.

What values are shaping your next chapter?