“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. We are now starting the boarding process for flight UA 962 from Newark to Berlin. We invite the following groups to board first: passengers with disabilities, active members of the military, and …”
I lift my head for a moment, after half-hearing the announcement, and look over at the United Airlines agent. What did she just say? Who’s allowed to board first? Active members of the military?
In Germany, people would probably shake their heads if soldiers from the Bundeswehr were allowed to board before everyone else. But this apparent privilege actually reflects values deeply woven into American culture: honor, service to the country, respect for commitment, and community. At United Airlines, this is no coincidence. It sends a clear message: Our brand stands for more than profit. UA shows that it truly lives its values – not just lists them on a website.
“Don’t talk about your beliefs – embody them. The truest test of your values isn’t in what you say, but in what you do when no one’s watching.”— Epictetus
Everyone can talk about what they believe in. But only a few actually live it every single day.
Myles Munroe once said: “Your true character is measured by whether you’d be proud to show others what you do when no one is looking.”
Real integrity doesn’t show up in speeches – it shows up in daily life. In small decisions, in your habits, in quiet moments when no one’s paying attention. When your actions consistently reflect your values, you don’t need to explain them – you become the evidence.
Money or power make this even clearer. They don’t change who someone is – they amplify what’s already there. My former boss, Gabi Tortato, used to say: “If you want to truly know a person’s character, give them power.”
Or in other words: When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.
If someone is a jerk, money or power will only make them a bigger jerk. But if someone is kind, generous, and grounded, those same things will make them even more so.
So if you know what values matter most to you, take a moment to ask yourself: Do I actually live them – or do they just look good on paper?
You might say, “Family means everything to me.” Okay. But why are you getting home after 10 p.m. every night? “Because I work so hard for my family.” Alright. But if you keep doing that for years, what you’re supposedly working for might not be there anymore. Harsh, right?
If you want your family to still be part of your life in the future, take time for them now.
And for your friends. And your hobbies. Not someday, not when you “finally have time,” not when you’re old. Because tomorrow is already today’s yesterday – and none of us know how much time we have left.
You can start embodying your values now. Even through small, simple actions that bring your words to life, one day at a time.
If you’ve never done a values exercise – or it’s been a while – I invite you to try it now.
In my 5 Free Gifts, the very first exercise is a values exercise designed to help you identify what truly matters to you. Once you’ve found your core values, ask yourself: How would another person notice that I live this value?
Then turn that insight into a concrete daily to-do, add it to your Productivity Planner (also one of the 5 gifts), and live it – day after day – until it becomes a natural part of who you are.
Make your life more than a collection of beautiful words. Make it a reflection of your truest self. Be who you say you are. Start living your values — today, now, and every day.
