Lesson 4 Transcript

Below is the full transcript of Lesson 4

This lesson and transcript are part of the RAD for Life social-emotional learning program. Educators, counsellors, and parents may view and use this material for personal learning or classroom discussion. The content may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used commercially without permission. The lesson is provided so you can preview and plan how RAD may be used in your classroom or particular setting. Copyright © RAD for Life. All rights reserved.

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Lesson 4 Transcript: Doing What’s Important

The following transcript accompanies the RAD Lesson 4 video and focuses on the third skill in the RAD framework: Do. In this lesson, learners explore the idea of values and how identifying what matters most can guide the actions they take in their lives.

Welcome back to radforlife.com — the home of the RAD SEL Lessons.

This is Lesson 4: D is for Do What’s Important.

So far, we’ve talked about what RAD is all about and explored the first two letters — R and A.

In R is for Recognize, we learned to tell the difference between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

In A is for Accept, we explored how to label our thoughts and feelings as comfortable or uncomfortable instead of good or bad. We also talked about accepting those uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.

Why?

Because trying to control or get rid of those thoughts and feelings all the time is an impossible job. Our minds are busy places, and feelings come and go. That’s just part of being human.

In RAD, the goal isn’t to feel amazing all the time — it’s to get better at accepting how we feel so we can do what’s important to us.

There’s a saying I really like: “It’s not about feeling better. It’s about getting better at feeling.”

When we get better at feeling, we can start focusing on doing the things that matter most.

And that is what this lesson is all about: doing what’s important to you.

So how do you know what’s important to you?

In RAD, we call those big important things your values.

What is a value?

Values are the big ideas that guide your life. They’re like a compass — always pointing you in the direction you want to go.

A value isn’t something you can hold in your hand like a phone or a trophy. It’s not a thing. It’s an idea, a belief, a way of being.

Sure, your phone might be important to you — but why?

Maybe because you value staying connected with friends. Maybe you value having fun. Maybe you love learning new things and your phone helps you do that.

Those are values: being social, having fun, and learning.

The phone is just an object. Even if it breaks or gets lost, your values are still with you.

Values come from lots of places — your experiences, your family, your culture, your faith, your education, and more. They help shape how you live your life.

And guess what? Your values can change.

Some might stay with you your whole life. Others might become more or less important as you grow and learn. That’s completely normal.

Here’s something people often mix up.

A value is not a goal.

Goals are things you can check off a list. Make the soccer team. Finish a project. Get a part-time job.

Goals are great — but they’re different from values.

Values don’t end. You don’t “finish” being a good friend or “complete” living with kindness. They are ongoing.

Ideally, your goals should reflect your values.

For example, maybe your goal is to get a part-time job. That’s great — let’s make some money.

But why do you want that job?

Maybe you value independence. Maybe you value helping others. Maybe you value learning new skills.

Even if you don’t get the job, you can still live those values — perhaps by volunteering or trying something else.

Here’s an example from my own life.

People who know me know I love my bike.

But recently I asked myself: what values are behind that?

Is it the health benefits? Yes — I value being healthy.

Is it the environmental impact? Absolutely — I value sustainability.

Is it the fun of riding? Definitely. In fact, the fun part might be the biggest value for me.

And when I look at my life, I realize that having fun is actually a very important value for me — maybe even the reason I added a few jokes to these lessons.

Still recovering from that spelling mishap, though…

Thinking about your values takes effort, but it’s worth it. In RAD, you will return to your values again and again.

And remember: your values are yours.

They might be different from your best friend’s values — and that’s perfectly okay.

You might value being adventurous. Someone else might value being careful and consistent.

One person might care a lot about popularity. Someone else might not care about that at all.

There’s no right or wrong answer here. It’s about what matters to you.

In RAD, your values are the foundation for living a meaningful life.

When you recognize what’s happening inside you, accept the difficult thoughts and feelings that show up, and do what’s truly important — even when it’s hard — that’s living a RAD life.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“What? Only one joke this lesson?”

Good point. Humor is a value too, you know.

You asked for it…

Until next time — Be RAD.

Activity Four

For this lesson’s activity, you’ll look at a series of photos and ask yourself a simple question:

What value might this person be living out?

There is no single correct answer.

You might see someone helping a friend and say that the value is kindness. Someone else might say the value is friendship — and both answers could be correct.

Just remember: values are big ideas. They are not goals, and they are not objects.

There is a list of values provided to help you get started, but you can choose your own if something else fits better.

Take a look at the images, identify the values you see, and most importantly, start thinking about the values that matter to you.