How to Identify Your Core Values: A Personal Guide to Leading with Purpose
In my journey, I've come to see core values as essential "North Stars" that guide not only my decisions but also my overall purpose. Core values are those non-negotiable qualities that help us make choices, navigate life's challenges, and even find more satisfaction in our personal and professional lives. But identifying them can be complex—it requires genuine reflection on our life experiences, both past and present. Today, I want to share how I discovered my top ten core values and offer a guide to help you identify yours.
How to Identify Your Core Values
Identifying your core values starts with understanding what they are and why they matter. When I was introduced to this journey by my mentor Merri-jo Hillaker, during her Kryptonite class, I didn’t realize how impactful it would be. Now, I feel that leading with values like Commitment, Growth, Influence, Trust, Honesty, Activeness, Relationships, Freedom, Cheerfulness, and Power has brought clarity to my life. These guiding principles help me navigate everything from personal life challenges to professional decisions.
However, this isn’t always a perfect science; there are times when I slip up, make a mistake, or feel that I didn’t show up as my best self. In these moments, I give myself grace, reflect on my actions, and return to my core values for guidance.
What are Core Values?
Core values are the intrinsic beliefs that shape our responses and guide our decisions. They are the anchors of our personal growth and development, and they influence how we interact with family members, colleagues, and friends. When we define these values, we create a foundation for our lives that aligns with who we are and who we want to become.
How to Discover Your Core Values
Here's a practical approach to identifying your values:
Step 1: Reflect on Your Experiences
Take some time to recall significant moments in your life, both positive and challenging. Think about times when you felt a deep sense of purpose or, conversely, moments of frustration. What values were at play?
Step 2: Write Down Possible Values
Jot down any words that resonate with you as potential core values. Don’t limit yourself at this stage; aim for a broad list. Consider the qualities you admire in yourself and others.
Step 3: Group and Categorize Your Values
Review your list and group similar values together. This will help narrow down the list to the ones that genuinely reflect your personal and professional aspirations.
Step 4: Prioritize Your Top Values
From your categorized values, select your top ten. This can be tough, but by prioritizing, you'll find clarity on what truly guides you.
Step 5: Reflect and Refine
Core values aren’t static; they can evolve as you grow. Revisit your list periodically to ensure it still aligns with your goals and current life direction.
How to Put Core Values Into Practice
Once you have identified your core values, the next step is living by them. Here are some ways to practice your values in daily life:
Tip 1: Make Value-Based Decisions
Before making decisions, pause and ask yourself if your choice aligns with your core values. This reflection can prevent regrets and strengthen your commitment to personal growth.
Tip 2: Share Your Values with Loved Ones
Discussing your values with family members and friends can build mutual understanding and deepen relationships. When people know what drives you, it becomes easier for them to support your journey.
Tip 3: Seek Out Aligned Opportunities
Whether it’s in your career or personal life, gravitate toward opportunities that reflect your values. This helps create a lifestyle and environment that naturally supports your growth.
Tip 4: Evaluate Conflicts Through Your Values
In moments of conflict, revisit your core values to help find clarity. Often, conflicts arise from misaligned values, and reconnecting with your principles can be a powerful way to resolve them.
Tip 5: Track Your Growth
Maintaining a journal on how you’ve acted according to your values can help you see progress. Over time, this will show the positive impacts of your values on your personal development.
By leading with your core values, you’re setting yourself up for a life of intentionality and purpose. To continue investing in yourself, check out how to invest in yourself as a woman. And if you’re looking for books that inspire personal growth, here’s a list of books that change your perspective.
My Final Thoughts on Core Values!
Identifying your core values is just the beginning; the real work lies in making them a visible part of your everyday life. Let your values guide you—your own "North Stars" through life’s transitions, both big and small. I encourage you to embrace this journey. You can also visit my website, arminegambaryan.com, to explore more resources for your personal growth and development.
