Sex, Drugs, And...A Close Look at Personal Ethics?

Sex, Drugs, And…A Close Look At Personal Ethics? 

Hundreds of thousands of young people gathered clad in bell-bottoms and tie-dye. Communal living. The Summer of Love.

Legendary rock musicians belting out bluesy ballads, capturing raw, unbridled energy and emotion. 

Sound familiar? 

The sixties and seventies were a time when the younger generation charged toward a “new” set of beliefs and values while the older generation clung closely to social norms and traditional lifestyles. When we envision these decades, we think of the countercultural movements sweeping across the country in countless forms—from civil rights and musical innovation to mop-top hair, platform shoes, and sexual experimentation.  

But we may not think about what was also happening: a radical change in ethics. 

At this moment, you might be pondering, "What relevance does a cultural shift in values that occurred six decades ago hold today?”

Well, it holds great significance simply because it illustrates the very important fact that all humans utilize a code of ethics. The value system upheld by the young people of the sixties and seventies was actualized in every aspect of their life, and it stood in stark contrast to their more conservative parents and grandparents. One generation valued one thing; the next generation valued another. 

Here’s the point: If you’re breathing, you’re valuing. Every second, you put something first. We all order every bit of our life—whether mental or physical—by what matters to us most. We shop for groceries at this store versus that store; we prioritize spending time with our kids over our to-do list; we carve out “me time” every week instead of organizing those dusty boxes in the basement; we plan our vacation for spring rather than summer.

We may call it “cultural values,” a “code of ethics,” “standards,” “rules,” or “personal guidelines,” but we all operate by a set of principles. This is an essential concept to remember, especially when it comes to understanding the building blocks necessary for healing, productivity, and, ultimately, creating the life we desire. 

So let’s take a look at just a few examples of why recognizing and formulating your personal value system is so important. 

​​Moral Decision-Making: A personal code of ethics can provide a clear framework for making moral and ethical decisions. Research in moral psychology has shown that having a well-defined moral code can enhance decision-making and help individuals make more consistent, principled choices.

Psychological Well-Being: Living in alignment with your personal values and ethical principles can lead to greater life satisfaction and a sense of purpose. This is supported by research in the field of positive psychology, which emphasizes the importance of values and strengths in achieving well-being.

Stress Reduction: Having a personal code of ethics can reduce the stress associated with moral dilemmas. Knowing what you stand for can help you make decisions more confidently and reduce the cognitive dissonance that arises when your actions conflict with your values.

Conflict Resolution: In personal and professional relationships, a clear personal code of ethics can be a valuable tool for resolving conflicts and maintaining trust. When people know what you stand for, they often are more likely to trust and respect you, even if they disagree with you.

Professional Success: In the workplace, adhering to a personal code of ethics can enhance your reputation and credibility. Ethical behavior is often associated with trustworthiness, which can lead to career opportunities and advancement.

Long-Term Goals: A personal code of ethics can help you set and achieve long-term goals. By aligning your goals with your values, you are more likely to stay motivated and persistent in pursuing them.

Social Responsibility: Living by a personal code of ethics can lead to greater social responsibility and civic engagement. This can contribute to positive societal changes and improvements.

Dedicate some time to introspection. Reflect on your values and beliefs—the compass that directs your life's journey. Are you interested in discovering more about your personal value system and how to develop your own code of ethics? I’m here to help! You can get started by joining my free office hours that are live on Facebook every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 11 AM MST. Bring any and all questions you have about personal growth and wellbeing!