As we go through life, we must make decisions based on the things that are important to us. These are our core values. But you are probably finding yourself asking, “How can I find my values?” Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered.
To identify your personal values, look at the people you surround yourself with, the activities you enjoy, and the things you tell yourself. The different threads that underlie all of these things are our values. After gathering these values and beliefs, narrow them down to the ones that are most important to you to identify your core values. Your conscience will also help you identify your own values and beliefs.
What Are Personal Values?
Values are like a compass that guides us through life, telling us which direction to go and helping us make decisions. But let’s be honest, figuring out what your values are can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.
So, what exactly are values? They’re the things that are consciously/unconsciously important to you—the principles, beliefs, and ideas that shape your worldview and influence your behavior and choices. They’re the things you’re willing to fight for, the things you stand for, and the things you won’t compromise on. And trust me; they’re worth figuring out.
Values are strange, they’re the thing that makes you laugh (lightheartedness) but also give you a reality check when you need it most (humility). Identifying them can help you feel more grounded, purposeful, and fulfilled in life. Who wouldn’t want that? Your personal values may be impacting your personal growth more than you expect.
So, don’t let the idea of “values” intimidate you. They’re just fancy words for the things that matter most to you. Once you figure out what those things are, you’ll be on your way to living a more intentional, fulfilling life. For more information on the difference between core values and intermediate beliefs, take a look at this article.
How Can You Discover the Values and Beliefs That Drive You?
To identify your values and beliefs, take a second to sit down and think about the people you surround yourself with, the activities you enjoy, and the ways you talk to yourself. What are the underlying emotions and threads that connect all of these feelings? Do you value connection? New experiences? Consistency? Spontaneity? Write down this list of personal values you come up with. Sometimes having examples of core values can be helpful.
From working with clients, common individual values are:
- Family
- Love
- Growth
- Success
- Altruism
- Justice
- Equality
Suppose you are interested in more of this. After all, knowing your values is an important step in your personal development. Here’s an article I wrote that walks you through an activity I do with my clients to identify their core values.
Another way you can find your values is by listening to your conscience. After all, that is exactly what your conscience is. It is the voice that lets you know when you are doing something that is against your values and beliefs.
Final Thoughts
Being aware of your values and beliefs is important because they can allow you to make sure your behaviors are in line with what drives you. By exploring the values and beliefs of the people you surround yourself with, you can begin to identify your own values, beliefs, and assumptions.
If you are interested in exploring these even further, take a look at this article, where I will help you identify your values and your authentic self.
Until next time,
