Your core values are the deeply held beliefs about what’s important to you and about the world. They are your highest priorities and your guiding principles. They play an important part in discovering your life purpose. Values aren’t good or bad, better or worse. They are simply what you resonate with—what’s important to you as a person.
Knowing your core values enhances your self awareness. You can act more authentically you when you live according to your core values. It makes decision making easier because you can weigh the options according to your principles and highest priorities.
If you are acting out of alignment with your values or in a situation where your values differ from what is expected of you (as in a job, career or relationship) you will feel stressed and unhappy. If something feels “off” it’s time to take a look to see if your values are being supported or not. Living in alignment with your top five core values will feel like ease and flow. Listen to what your body is telling you.
There was a situation at my last job that illustrates this. I was a lower elementary Montessori teacher. Teaching is something I love to do. For many years things went very well. Then the school board hired a new head of school. He didn’t have any teacher training, much less Montessori. He was hired mainly for fundraising. However, he wanted to be involved in what went on in the classrooms. More and more the values of the school began to shift. I became more and more stressed and unhappy. Eventually I resigned. I discovered coaching after that and got my training and certification. I love what I do again!
Some examples of core values are: integrity, freedom, cooperation, self-awareness, spiritual growth, happiness, education, authenticity, fun, teamwork, equality, diversity, simplicity, originality, respect. Over 200 values have been identified!
Your core values develop over time.
As you go through life you have experiences, make choices and decide if you like the outcomes of those choices or not. Your core values may change as you grow and develop new perspectives, so it’s good to check in with yourself from time to time.
Why focus on 5 top values?
While you will no doubt resonate with many values, you’ll want to work with your top five. Why?
Too many choices muddies the water. Five is a manageable number to help you make decisions. It’s what your brain can easily focus on. Many values can be grouped together under one heading that is your top value.
Not sure of your top 5 values? Go here to download a values activity that will help you identify your values and narrow down your top 5.
So how does identifying your values help you find your purpose?
When you’re clear on your values, you know what’s truly important to you. Knowing what’s most important will act as your guide as you seek to align with your life purpose.
When you make decisions according to your values, you can feel confident about being on your correct path. Your purpose is something that will be fun and meaningful to you, so it will always be aligned with what’s most important to you. Purpose is about living as authentically YOU. Your values are the key to that.
For example, say you valued serenity and friendship as a top values. You’ve had two great job offers. One job offered a slightly higher salary and was in a fast-paced and competitive company. The other was less money, but the energy in the workplace was more laid back and friendly. This would be an easy choice, because you would be happier in the more serene, friendly environment. Those qualities are more important to you than a more hectic environment.
Get Your Values Activity
Again, if you’d like help to get in touch with your values, please go to my Values Activity Exercise. It’s yours to download, no sign-up necessary. This will help you come up with your top 5 values!
