Discover Your Core Values: Your Compass for a Life of Alignment

Ever feel like you’re going through the motions, or making choices that leave you feeling unfulfilled? That’s a sign you might not be fully connected with your core values. Values are like your internal compass, guiding you towards a life that feels meaningful and authentic. Let’s dive into how to uncover yours!

Why Your Values Matter

• Decision-making guide: When faced with a tough choice, your values help you assess if it aligns with what’s truly important to you.
• Increase self-awareness: The process of identifying your values forces you to think deeply about what kind of person you want to be and how you want to live.
• Create inner peace: When your actions match your values, you experience less internal conflict and a greater sense of satisfaction.

How to Discover Your Values

• Reflection exercise: [Provide a list of 30-40 core values to consider – Examples include: integrity, kindness, creativity, family, freedom, growth, service, etc.] Circle the ones that resonate deeply, then narrow it down to your top 5-7.
• Think about your role models: Who do you admire and why? Their qualities likely reflect values that are important to you as well.
• Pay attention to what excites/angers you: Notice when you feel a strong positive or negative reaction to something. This can point you toward the values you hold dear, or those you believe are being violated.

Putting Values into Action

• Refer to them before big decisions: Do your potential choices support your core values? This helps you make decisions you won’t regret later.
• Evaluate your current life: Are there any areas where you feel out of sync with your values (career, relationships, how you spend your time)? These are areas to focus on.
• Values can change: Your values may evolve over time. It’s okay to revisit and refine them to reflect where you are in life.

Discovering your core values is a profound act of self-understanding. By knowing your true north, you create a life of purpose, intention, and deep fulfillment. Start exploring your values today!