Have you ever felt like you are doing all the right things in your life and business, but something still feels off?

You hit your goals. You show up for everyone else. You keep all the plates spinning.

But you feel disconnected, overwhelmed, and unsure of your next move.

That feeling is usually a sign that your life is not aligned with your core values. Your core values are the foundation that helps you stop circling on your goals, make decisions with confidence, and build a life you want to live.

What are core values?

A core value is defined as “a principle or belief that a person views as of central importance.” Core Values are the motivating factors behind how a person behaves and makes the decisions they do.

Most people may not be aware of their core values, or even have any knowledge that is how they show up in the world. I certainly didn’t for a long time. I assumed things were just “right” or “wrong.”

But when you spend time to become aware of what truly matters to you, then you can use those values as a compass in how you show up in your life. This is a great place to start if you are new to personal development, simply defining 5-7 core values that matter to you, and think about how those values will shape the life you desire to live.

Personal development involves looking into a mirror and reflecting on what serves you and what no longer does. If we want to begin to brush away the pieces that no longer serve us, we can start by defining our core values and then making decisions that align with those values.

Then, as we continue to do that, over time, the person we desire to become will begin taking shape.

Why Core Values Matter?

If you want to become a better version of yourself, then knowing what matters to you is the foundation for everything else to build upon. Your values determine how you love, how you lead, how you parent, and how you run your business.

Here are some examples:

If you want to have a great relationship with someone, then you have to know what is important to you. You certainly can’t be in a healthy relationship with a partner or a friend if you value honesty and they are hiding things and being untruthful. Those things do not align, so that person isn’t right for you in alignment with your core values.

If you value leadership, then you probably won’t take advice from someone who isn’t executing in a way you admire. 

If you want to be a more intentional parent, then you have to define how that shows up for you. I cannot be the mom I want to be and say quality time is my core value, and also be on my phone all day long. I have to be self-reflective enough to put down the phone when it’s dinner time, movie night, game time, going on a family walk, or even snuggle time. All those things fill me with joy and love, and I would absolutely miss out on the little things if I didn’t have that core value defined. 

Examples of Core Values:

• Integrity
• accountability
• growth
• adventure
• bravery
• empathy
• happiness
• leadership
• patience
• respect
• security
• wealth
• honesty
• courage
• trust
• fun
• inclusion
• personal development
• cleanliness
• faith
• change
• humor
• gratitude
• acceptance
• family
• creativity
• stability
• loyalty
• accountability

How To Identify Your Core Values:

Start by noticing which words listed above caused you to pause. That is your body’s energy responding to something deeper.

Ask yourself some of these questions to uncover your core values:

• Do you tend to stick up for others? Loyalty, Community, Strength.  
• Do you tend to take charge on projects? Leadership, Accountability.
• Do you listen intently to what others say? Communication, Respect, Initiative. 
• Do you love serving others? Helping, Caring, Responsibility. 
• Why do you work where you work and do the work that you do? Inclusion. Stability. Growth. Accountability. 
• What is your favorite thing about being in a relationship with your partner? Stability. Humor. Trust. Faith. Love. Quality Time. 
• What kind of books do you like to read or podcasts do you like to listen to? Growth. Learning. Fun. Comfort. Adventure. 

Also pay close attention to what frustrates you. That is a huge clue to yourself that your values are not being met and honored.

There are lots of core values that we may think serve us, but I want you to really dig down and think of values that make you the core being of who you are. Which values have lead you to the person you are now? The parent you are now? The leader in your work environment that you are now? What are you constantly asking for in your personal and business relationships? That is an indicator of a core value being met or not.

I like to be informed of all aspects of a responsibility if I am working with others, and I want to be included in changes in a project I am working on. That is an indicator that communication is one of my core values. Having people who feel loved and safe with me is very important to me, so integrity and honesty are my core values. I lead with those values to create the environment around me that yields those trusting feelings. 

My Personal Values:

I like to be upfront with you, and here are some of my values that shape my life:

–Integrity– To always behave with pure intentions and do the right thing to the best of my knowledge in that moment. 

–Communication– If we can just be honest with how we’re feeling or what direction we want to take, then not only will we be happier, but the people around us will be more capable of giving us what we need. How else will the people around you (either personal life or business life) know what you want or what you’re thinking?  I truly feel we can carry so much less emotional weight within ourselves if we just spoke our needs to those around us.

–Learning/Growth– I am growth mindset orientated, and learning gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I also always want to be doing better than I was yesterday. I want to feel good in this life, and that means acknowledging the pieces of me that need to be let go of, and learning new ways to help myself and others. When I can share my knowledge on a topic with another person, and pieces of it help them, then that is truly where my core value is acknowledged and blooms. 

–Honesty– Just tell the dang truth. When it’s easy and when it’s hard. Truth is data that can be worked with.

–Quality Time- Spending quality time with my family is so important to me. Making memories, going on adventures when life affords it, trying new things, and just being together watching movies on Friday Nights. When you know what matters to you, making time for those who fit into those categories is just so much more worth it. 

–Fun– Life is meant to be enjoyed! Parts of life are so hard at times, and why oh why wouldn’t you want to have moments with your family and/or friends that just feel light and joyful? What do you like to do? Make time for it! Don’t get to the end of your life with a bunch of “I wish I went on that adventure”, “I wish I traveled there”, “I wish I could have done that when I was younger.” Make a plan, save some money, and go HAVE FUN!!

–Loyalty– I am an enneagram 8, and so loyalty is deeply important to me, as it is a core motivator if you are familiar with the enneagram. Loyalty also leads back into feeling safe with people in my circle, so to attract the right people, I must act with integrity. Some of my core values overlap and that’s ok!

A Quick Exercise for You:

Claim 3 values from the list above that feel true to you.

Then choose one of those values that you have been ignoring.

Ask yourself: What needs to shift for me to live this value this month?

That ONE question will move you forward faster than another list of to-dos.

Do You Need Help With Your Core Values?

If you want to feel more grounded, more confident, and more aligned in the decisions you make, start with identifying your core values.

Here are three ways to take the next step:

1. You can join my free private FB group, Passion to Purpose, to be in a community that is growth-oriented and supportive of your personal and business goals and dreams.
2. Book a free 20-minute Path Forward Call, and you’ll walk away knowing exactly what core values align with you so you can make clear decisions and start moving forward now.
3. If you want to do this work on your own, you can purchase my comprehensive goal-setting workbook on Amazon and go through the entire section on self-reflection and aligning your goals with your core values. (and you can plan your goals for the year!)

I can’t wait to hear from you and help you step into the next version of yourself!

Citations:  Core Value Definition: Yahoo Search