Your core values are the fundamental beliefs and guiding principles that dictate your thoughts, words, and actions. When operating from a place of self-knowledge, your values inform and direct your life choices and behaviors. They influence everything from how you spend your time, to who you form relationships with, to major life decisions like career and family planning.
Knowing your personal values provides an internal compass during times of uncertainty and struggle. Connecting to them can be a grounding and centering exercise when faced with difficult choices. Clarifying your core values offers many benefits:
Values provide a moral compass for behavior and ethics. They delineate right from wrong.
They determine your priorities and how you spend your time/energy.
Values dictate your decision making paradigm. They enable aligning choices with beliefs.
They influence the causes and issues you support. You'll stand up for your values.
Values define the principles you live by. They shape your character and conscience.
They describe what you want to cultivate in your life. Your values manifest in daily life.
Core values drive your self-expression. They compel you to contribute your gifts.
They determine who you associate with. You'll bond with those of shared values.
So how can you identify your personal core values? Here are some reflective prompts to get clarity:
What principles do you believe in and stand for, even when inconvenient?
What would you fight for or protest against passionately?
What ideals do you think the world desperately needs more of right now?
What qualities do you admire most in others and desire to reflect yourself?
What causes, movements or organizations do you strongly identify with?
What brokenness in society compels you into action?
What gifts or talents of yours feel most meaningful to contribute?
What type of friend, family member, or colleague do you strive to be?
What elements create your vision of a life well-lived?
Reflect honestly on these kinds of questions to illuminate your core values. Then, create a list of 5-10 value words that resonate most. Post it where you'll see it as a regular reminder to align your daily choices with your convictions. Revisiting this list periodically as you grow can reveal evolving priorities.
Clarifying and connecting to your core values provides a touchstone for when you feel ungrounded or need direction. Knowing what you stand for helps ensure your beliefs manifest in your behaviors and guide your steps toward a purposeful life.