What are Core Values?
Core values are intangible, guiding principles based on our personal ideals. When we become consciously aware of our unique set of values, we can use them to make better decisions, helping us to live a more authentic, fulfilled life.
This is a guide to what core values are (and what they are not), how to discover yours and how to use them.
Why core values are important
Personal values are a set of guiding principles and beliefs that help you differentiate between “good” and “bad.” Concepts like integrity vs dishonesty or hard work vs cutting corners. Everyone prioritises their core values differently, and yours shape how you uniquely move through the world.
Personal values influence your behaviours, relationships, and everyday life. They guide you through important decision-making, influence personal development, and carve your ideal career path
If our goals are not set in line with our values, we’ll have a much harder time mastering the challenges along the way. Similarly, if your job does not satisfy your personal values, you’re more likely to experience a lack of motivation and fulfilment.
Knowing your values can help you in multiple areas of your life and career:
- Improved decision making: Knowing your core values is one of the best tools to make difficult decisions. If you’re crystal clear about what you want and what’s important to you, you can eliminate a lot of inner dialogue and arrive at decisions more efficiently and with more confidence.
- Experiencing more fulfilment: People who live by their values tend to experience greater fulfilment and happiness. If we neglect our personal values, we can suffer mentally and emotionally.
- Becoming an effective leader: Being clear on your own values is also a critical step in becoming an effective and authentic leader. Studies have shown that leaders who are seen as inspiring tend to have consistent values that they display every day.
When we don’t know our values
Many of us don't take the time to figure out our values. We don't actively think about what matters most to us.
Without this clarity, we tend to adopt values promoted by society or default. Instead of living by our own principles, we unconsciously align our behaviour and beliefs with what's valued externally.
Following external values can lead to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviours.
It 's crucial to identify what truly matters to us individually.
This self-awareness is essential if we want to have more control over the direction of our lives.
My free step by step guide will walk you through the exercise of uncovering your personal values.
