Why do values matter?

If you see someone cheating in class and know the right thing is to tell your teacher, it's hard, so that's when you have to rely on your courage. If a bunch of your friends are picking on the new kid at your school, you may be afraid to tell them to stop, but that's when your fairness helps you make the right decision. When you know you have a Spanish test and you're having trouble learning the spelling of new words, your determination and discipline gets you to practice extra hard to get a great grade.

In cartoons, superheroes like Spiderman or Kim Possible do unbelievable things to get the bad guy and save the world. In real life, Heroes of Character like you do the right thing by following your values every day. Okay, so maybe you can't jump from one building to the next one. But what you can do is treat people just the way you would like to be treated if you were in their shoes. That's what following your values means. It makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?

Where do I get my values?

Sorry, it's a trick question. Anything you answered would be right, because we can get our values from all of the below:

  • my parents
  • my family
  • my friends
  • my teachers
  • my religion
  • my experiences

People in our life who we really trust and look up to teach us our values. They show us what it means to do the right thing in different situations. If we are religious, then our spiritual lessons teach us why we should do the right thing.

One of the best teachers of our values is ourselves. There's a famous quote that says "Experience is the best teacher." Whoever said that was really wise. We learn by doing, and many times it's our mistakes that teach us a better way to do things next time.

Who's somebody who taught you values? Who's your Hero of Character? Tell us about them.

Values and What They Mean

Here's a long list to get started. You could probably come up with more positive values that if everybody followed would make the world a better place.

Caring

You feel and show kindness and concern for others.

Character

It's who you are. All of your good values working together to give you wisdom and help you make the right choices in life, even when it's hard.

Citizenship

You totally understand that to keep your community and country strong, you need to get involved. You understand the importance of volunteering and helping out in your neighborhood. And, of course, you'll vote when you're an adult!

Compassion

You feel sympathy for others who aren't doing okay, and you want to help them out.

Courage

You do the right thing, even when it's scary or difficult. You are brave.

Courtesy

You are polite and show respect to everyone.

Creativity

You use your imagination and curiosity to make and do amazing things.

Determination

You are committed to carrying through on whatever goal you have set for yourself, and you don't give up when it's hard.

Fairness

You follow rules and make decisions based on what's the right thing for everyone, not just what's in it for you.

Faith

You really believe, in yourself or your religion or your future. You know that everything will work out.

Forgiveness

You accept an apology and show understanding when someone else has hurt you.

Friendship

You can make and keep friends because you show each other trust.

Generosity

You give your time, talents and resources to help other people.

Gratitude

You are thankful and happy for what you have.

Hard Work

You put in a lot of effort to get something done.

Honesty

You tell the truth.

Hope

You are looking forward to great things in the future and know they will come true!

Humility

You are modest; you don't think you know it all, and you like learning from other people.

Imagination

You can use your brain to think up amazing, creative, original stuff and do great things.

Ingenuity

You are clever, original and can invent new things.

Integrity

Your actions show you know what is right and wrong and you are sincere, so people really trust you.

Justice

You believe deeply in fairness, equality and tolerance for all people on our earth.

Laughter

You know how use humor, even in hard situations, because sometimes laughter is the best medicine!

Leadership

People follow your ideas and wisdom on projects, because they trust you as their guide.

Love

You're not afraid to show how much you care and are attached to other people.

Loyalty

You are faithful to your commitments and to people you care about.

Optimism

You have amazing faith in the future and always see the bright side of things.

Patience

You can wait calmly for things or people and don't get frustrated not getting or doing what you want today.

Peacefulness

You are calm and, instead of looking for fights and arguments, you know how to solve them through compromise and words

Perseverance

You keep going, even when it's hard or there are obstacles in your way.

Productivity

You're like a busy bee making honey; you know how do use your time really well to make and do great things.

Purposefulness

You know what's important in life; you use your talents in activities that really matter and make a positive difference in the world.

Respect

You show courtesy, consideration and good manners toward other people.

Responsibility

You are dependable and reliable, and you honor your commitments.

Right Choices

You know the different between right and wrong, and you make the right decisions in different situations.

Self-Awareness

You really know who you are. You know your strengths and talents, and you also know your challenges and what you can improve. Nobody's perfect, right?

Self-Confidence

You don't have a big ego, but you believe in yourself—you are capable of doing great things and can really rely on yourself.

Self-Control

You demonstrate your self-discipline and calmness. Even when you are frustrated or annoyed, you don't go crazy, instead you keep your cool.

Sharing

Whatever you have, you don't mind giving some of it to others. That really feels good.

Sportsmanship

When you play a game, you have a good attitude and show fairness, determination, and respect for the other team, whether you win or lose.

Team Work

You know how to work well with others in your group to get the job done.

Thriftiness

You don't waste your money, your time or your talents. You make good decisions to use your resources wisely.

Wisdom

You know wonderful things about life. You know what is right and wrong, and you use your common sense and knowledge to make the best decisions. Other people come to you for advice and guidance.