How to Find Your Values

Living with integrity means acting according to our values. Simple.

The hard part for most of us is to pinpoint what exactly those values are.

Finding your values requires self-awareness and introspection, discovering what truly matters to you, beyond societal expectations or external influences.

In this blog post, we'll explore some effective methods to help you uncover your core values.

What Are Core Values and Why Does Finding Them Matter?

Core values are the fundamental beliefs that guide our behaviors and decisions.

They are deeply ingrained principles that dictate our way of being and directly impact our happiness and fulfillment in life. Understanding your core values is crucial for living a life that is true to yourself.

Steps to Uncover Your Core Values

Reflect on Past Decisions

Recall moments when you had to make tough choices. Analyze how you felt afterward and what these decisions say about your core beliefs.

Identify Meaningful Moments

Think about times in your life that felt most fulfilling. These moments can shine a light on what you truly value.

Redefine Success

Consider your personal definition of success. For some, it’s fame, wealth, or a good career. For others, it’s quality time with family. Or maybe, it’s freedom from the shackles of life. Or, building cool things in Minecraft. How does it align with or differ from societal norms?

Consider Role Models

Reflect on the qualities of people you admire. These traits often mirror your own values.

Picturing Your Ideal Partner

Describe the characteristics of your ideal partner. The traits you prioritize are likely aligned with your core values.

Assessing Lifestyle Choices

Examine your daily life and choices. What do these reveal about your priorities and values?

A Comprehensive List of Common Core Values

Here are 50 common core values to consider. Reflect on each and determine which resonate with you:

1. Authenticity: Being genuine and true to oneself.
2. Courage: The ability to face fear, uncertainty, and challenges.
3. Compassion: Showing empathy and kindness towards others.
4. Respect: Valuing others and treating them with dignity.
5. Integrity: Acting in an honest and ethical manner.
6. Gratitude: Appreciating what you have and expressing thankfulness.
7. Perseverance: Persisting in the face of adversity.
8. Creativity: Valuing innovation and original ideas.
9. Freedom: Cherishing independence and autonomy.
10. Joy: Seeking happiness and fun in life.
11. Love: Prioritizing close, loving relationships.
12. Balance: Striving for a harmonious life.
13. Growth: Embracing learning and self-improvement.
14. Adventure: Seeking new experiences and excitement.
15. Health: Valuing physical and mental well-being.
16. Family: Prioritizing family relationships.
17. Success: Achieving goals and aspirations.
18. Knowledge: Pursuing understanding and wisdom.
19. Generosity: Willingness to give and share.
20. Peace: Seeking harmony and avoiding conflict.
21. Loyalty: Being faithful to commitments and obligations.
22. Justice: Upholding fairness and moral righteousness.
23. Simplicity: Appreciating the basics and avoiding complexity.
24. Humility: Recognizing one's limitations and being modest.
25. Efficiency: Maximizing productivity with minimal wasted effort.
26. Security: Valuing safety and stability.
27. Community: Being part of and contributing to a group.
28. Spirituality: Seeking a connection with something greater.
29. Responsibility: Being accountable for one's actions.
30. Trust: Building and maintaining confidence in relationships.
31. Innovation: Valuing new ideas and approaches.
32. Passion: Pursuing activities with enthusiasm and zeal.
33. Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
34. Honesty: Being truthful and transparent.
35. Patience: Tolerating delay or incompetence without getting angry.
36. Optimism: Expecting the best possible outcome.
37. Discipline: Exercising self-control and restraint.
38. Diversity: Valuing a range of different cultures and perspectives.
39. Resilience: Recovering quickly from difficulties.
40. Mindfulness: Being aware and present in the moment.
41. Adventure: Seeking new and exciting experiences.
42. Independence: Being self-reliant and free from the influence of others.
43. Curiosity: Having a strong desire to learn or know something.
44. Flexibility: Willingness to change or compromise.
45. Determination: Firmness of purpose; resoluteness.
46. Kindness: The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
47. Leadership: The ability to lead and inspire others.
48. Order: Appreciating organization and structure.
49. Playfulness: Enjoying light-hearted and fun activities.
50. Wisdom: The ability to use knowledge and experience to make good decisions.

Making Your Values a Cornerstone of Your Life

Incorporating your core values into your daily life isn't just about identifying them; it's about making them the guiding principles for your actions and decisions. Here's how you can do that:

1. Daily Reflection: Start or end your day by reflecting on your values. Ask yourself how you lived according to them today or how you can do so tomorrow. This practice keeps your values at the forefront of your mind.
2. Decision-Making Filter: Use your values as a filter for making decisions, big or small. Before deciding, ask yourself which option aligns best with your core values. This approach ensures that your choices reflect what truly matters to you.
3. Setting Boundaries: Your values can help you set boundaries. If something doesn't align with your core values, it's okay to say no. This helps you stay true to yourself and avoid situations that might lead to discomfort or regret.
4. Goal Alignment: Align your goals with your values. Whether it's career, personal, or relationship goals, ensure they resonate with your core values. This alignment brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your achievements.
5. Mindful Communication: Express your values through your communication. Whether it's in personal relationships or professional settings, let your values guide your words and actions. This authenticity fosters deeper connections and respect from others.

Navigating Life with Your True North

Living in alignment with your core values is an ongoing journey that requires constant attention and commitment. It's about making choices that resonate with your inner self, even when it's challenging. Here are some key points to remember:

1. Expect Challenges: Aligning your life with your values isn't always easy, especially when faced with societal pressures or conflicting interests. Be prepared for these challenges and view them as opportunities to reaffirm your commitment to your values.
2. Embrace Change: As you grow and evolve, so might your values. Be open to this evolution and reassess your values periodically. This flexibility ensures that your values always reflect your true self.
3. Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who respect and support your values. Having a supportive community can be incredibly empowering, especially when facing tough decisions or life changes.
4. Celebrate Alignment: When you make decisions or achieve goals that align with your values, take the time to celebrate these moments. Acknowledging these victories reinforces the importance of living according to your values.

Ready to Dive Deep Into Who You Are?

Identifying your core values requires deep introspection and radical honestly with ourselves. It might be uncomfortable, or even downright painful sometimes, but I guarantee you—it's worth it. Living your life with more authenticity is a direct path to more aligned decisions, more meaning and fulfilment, and, well, sleeping better at night. 

So I urge you to brew yourself a cup of tea, grab a piece of paper (or the Morning Mindset journal) and get down to journaling to find the main motivators in your life: your values.