For personal development, we need to understand and embrace core values in life. Core values, also known as personal values, form the foundation of our beliefs and principles, guiding our thoughts, actions, and sense of purpose. This article is a step-by-step guide to help you identify your core values and live an authentic life that aligns with what truly matters to you.
But first, what are they?
What Are Core Values?
Core values are the deeply held beliefs and principles that shape who we are as individuals. They form the foundation of our identity and act as a compass, guiding our decision-making process. The main values in life can range from integrity, compassion, and honesty to perseverance, respect, and creativity. It’s helpful to explore a list of values and beliefs to identify those that resonate with you personally.
How Will Discovering Your Core Values in Life Help With Authenticity in Life?
Leading an authentic life is not easy. Sometimes, we can feel like we’re putting on a mask for others. Sometimes, we even feel like we are just pretending to be the person other people are looking for (people-pleasing).
If you’re feeling stuck, understanding your value can help. The definition of authenticity is being “faithful to an original” or a “reliable, accurate representation.” This means that we need to discover ourselves first before we can be authentic about who we are. To do this, follow these steps to increase self-awareness and unbiasedly process your values, beliefs, and authentic self.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Personal Values:
Take time for self-reflection and consider the values that are most important to you. What do you prioritize in your life? What qualities do you admire in others? Use this list of values as a starting point to spark your exploration and deepen your understanding of your personal core values.
One of the ways you can find your personal values is by exploring the values of the people around you. Sometimes we subconsciously gravitate toward people who think similarly or who value similar things.
Step 2: Identify Your Core Values:
Examine the list of common personal values and select the ones that resonate with you the most. Consider the values that align with your sense of purpose and that you feel strongly about. Focus on the values that reflect your true self and would make a meaningful impact on your life.
When I help identify their values, I tend to have them choose 17 from this core values list and narrow it down to their top five core values. If you want a downloadable version of the activity I do, enter your email below, and I will send it to you! It will help you find your authentic self.
Step 3: Define Your Personal List of Core Values:
Once you have identified your core values in life, take the time to define what each value means to you personally. Reflect on how these values influence your thoughts, behaviors, and decision-making process. Understanding the essence of your core values will help you live in alignment with them.
What drives you? What gives you purpose? Look here for some examples of values that are common among people I work with.
Step 4: Live By Your Values:
With a clear understanding of your core values in life, commit to living by them consistently. Living according to your values means you will make decisions, big and small, based on what aligns with your values. Let your values guide your actions, relationships, and the way you navigate the world. By doing so, you will experience a greater sense of fulfillment and authenticity.
Authenticity: How to Live in Alignment with Your Values:
Living authentically means aligning our thoughts, actions, and choices with our core values. When we are in alignment with our values, we experience a sense of integrity, fulfillment, and inner peace. Here’s how core values contribute to living more authentically:
Self-Awareness and Clarity:
Identifying and clarifying our core values allows us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. By exploring our values, we become more self-aware, recognizing what truly matters to us and what drives our decisions. This self-awareness provides a foundation for authenticity.
Making Aligned Decisions:
When faced with choices and decisions, our core values serve as a reliable compass. They provide a framework for evaluating options and help us make choices that are in alignment with our beliefs and priorities. This enables us to live with a sense of integrity and purpose.
If you have ever made a decision and your conscience told you something different, you probably were not honoring your values. Your conscience can help you determine is something is important.
Setting Meaningful Goals:
Core values serve as a powerful guide for setting goals that are meaningful and fulfilling. When we establish goals that align with our values, we are more motivated, driven, and committed to their achievement. Our values infuse purpose and passion into our pursuits.
Building Authentic Relationships:
Our core values play a significant role in forming and nurturing relationships. When we surround ourselves with individuals who share or respect our values, we create a supportive and authentic network. Aligning our values with those we connect with fosters deeper connections and mutual understanding.
The people we spend our time with often have a huge impact on us. So it makes sense that knowing our core values in life will lead us to surround ourselves with more fulfilling, meaningful, and exciting relationships.
Resilience in Challenges:
In times of adversity and challenges, our core values provide resilience and strength. They serve as an anchor, reminding us of what truly matters and helping us navigate difficult situations with integrity and determination. Our values guide us in making choices that align with our authentic selves, even in the face of adversity.
Enhanced Well-Being and Fulfillment:
Living authentically, in alignment with our core values, contributes to a sense of well-being and fulfillment. When we prioritize and honor our values, we experience a deep sense of satisfaction, contentment, and inner peace. We are living a life that feels true to ourselves.
If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to sit back and adjust course. Allow yourself the peace of mind.
Step 5: Revisit and Reevaluate:
As you move through life, regularly reassess your core values. They may evolve and change over time, reflecting your growth and experiences. In my experience, the top 5-7 values are fairly stable. But all of the rest ebb and flow; they may change drastically. This is not a bad thing. it just demonstrates how free-flowing life can be. We are always growing, learning, and discovering.
Allow yourself the freedom to revisit and reevaluate your values, ensuring they continue to align with your authentic self.
Final Thoughts:
Living authentically requires a deep understanding and alignment with your core values. These values serve as guiding principles, shaping your thoughts, actions, and decisions. By defining and living by your values, you can create a life that resonates with your true self and make a positive impact on the world around you. Embrace the power of your core values and embark on a journey of self-discovery and purpose.
If you live in Maine, I would be honored to assist you on your journey towards living a more free and fulfilling life. If you do not live in Maine, no worries at all! I would love to hear from you and learn how I can help. A great place to start is getting the exact handout I use with clients below.
