Ep 251: Shaping Identity with Values

Sam LaCrosse, author of Value Economics, unveils principles for
fostering strong values in teenagers. We also dive into an
examination of helping teens build a sense of identity, and the
impact of going too far with positivity.





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Full Show Notes


In today's world, teenagers are bombarded with questions about
who they are and where they belong. Social media and a plethora
of information sources can often lead them down paths of
confusion and identity crises. It’s crucial for parents to
understand the role they play in guiding their teenagers towards
developing a strong sense of self, built on a foundation of
positive values. Sam LaCrosse, a young author passionate about
the intersection of economics and identity formation, joins us to
unravel how we can apply economic principles to instill strong
values in our teenagers.


Sam LaCrosse, at the age of 24, penned "Value Economics: The
Study of Identity," aiming to offer a fresh perspective on
building one's identity based on well-crafted values. He brings
incredible personal vulnerability into his work, making strong
arguments against the prevailing winds of self-help that preach
unattainable positivism and highlights the necessity of sacrifice
and self-awareness in cultivating personal values and identity.


The Factors of Value Production


Sam discusses the necessity of transforming basic experiences
into valuable life lessons through "The Factors of Value
Production." This concept is broken into four key components:
experiences, actions, discipline, and self-awareness. Each plays
a critical role in how individuals, especially teenagers, can
craft their values. Through relatable examples, Sam ignites a
conversation on how parents can encourage their teenagers to
engage more deeply with their world, learn from their
experiences, and develop a robust value system.


Modeling Strong Values at Home


The conversation dives into how parents can be exemplary models
of strong values for their teenagers. By sharing responsibilities
and demonstrating mutual respect within the household, parents
can set a precedent for how values inform identity and actions in
the real world. Sam emphasizes the importance of courage in
sticking to one’s values, even when faced with polarization and
challenges.


Navigating Excess and Diminishing Returns in
Values


Sam and Andy explore the concept of excess in the context of
values, cautioning against rigid adherence that can lead to
harmful extremism. The discussion pivots to "diminishing returns"
on certain values and the importance of recognizing when
persistence in a value becomes counterproductive. Through
personal anecdotes, Sam illustrates how self-awareness about
one’s values and their impacts is crucial for balanced
development.


Fostering Self-Awareness in Teenagers


A pivotal part of the episode is dedicated to fostering
self-awareness among teenagers—a value Sam holds in the highest
regard. They discuss practical strategies for helping teenagers
become more introspective and self-aware, from creating quiet
spaces to encouraging active listening. By reducing noise from
social media and the external world, teenagers can better
understand themselves and their values.


Topics Covered in This Episode Include:


Personal vulnerabilities and the power of sacrifice in value
formation.

The economic analogy of crafting values: experiences,
actions, discipline, and self-awareness.

The importance of modeling strong values and courage in
value-based decision-making.

Recognizing when values reach excess and how to adjust for
healthy development.

Practical tips for promoting self-awareness and introspection
in teenagers.




Parents seeking to guide their teenagers through the complex
journey of identity formation will find Sam LaCrosse’s insights
invaluable. Through understanding the principles of value
economics, parents can equip their teens with the tools needed to
navigate life with purpose and integrity.


Tune into this episode to learn more about shaping your teen's
identity through values and subscribe to "Talking to Teens" for
more enlightening conversations.





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.