Core Values Are Great. But How Do I Figure Out What Mine Are?

In our last article, we talked about the importance of maintaining a list of your most important, heartfelt values. Otherwise known as your Core Values.

Determining your core values is a crucial step towards creating a fulfilling life that aligns with your deepest beliefs and desires. Core values are the guiding principles that influence your decisions, actions, and behaviors. They represent your personal philosophy and the essence of who you are as an individual. Living in alignment with your core values can help you find a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment that cannot be achieved in any other way.

In this blog post, we will explore some practical tips for determining your core values.

1. Identify your peak experiences

One of the best ways to determine your core values is to reflect on your peak experiences. Peak experiences are those moments in your life when you felt the most alive, energized, and fulfilled. These experiences can be anything from achieving a goal, making a meaningful connection with someone, or experiencing a natural wonder.

When you identify your peak experiences, you can identify the values that were present in those moments. For example, if you felt the most alive when you achieved a goal, your core value might be perseverance or excellence. If you felt the most fulfilled when you made a meaningful connection with someone, your core value might be empathy or connection.

Take some time to reflect on your life experiences and identify the moments that stand out to you as peak experiences. Write them down and make a note of the values that were present in those moments. These values are likely to be your core values.

2. Consider your role models

Another way to determine your core values is to consider the role models in your life. These are the people who have had the most significant impact on you and whom you admire the most. Your role models can be anyone from historical figures, celebrities, or people in your personal life.

When you identify your role models, you can identify the values that they embody. For example, if your role model is someone who is kind, compassionate, and generous, your core values might be empathy or altruism. If your role model is someone who is hardworking, resilient, and determined, your core values might be perseverance or excellence.

Make a list of your role models and the values that they embody. Reflect on how these values resonate with you and whether they align with your personal beliefs and aspirations.

3. Look at your habits

Your habits are a reflection of your values. If you consistently engage in activities that align with your values, you'll feel more fulfilled and content. Conversely, if you engage in activities that go against your values, you'll feel conflicted and unhappy.

Take a look at your habits and ask yourself which values they reflect. For example, if you prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or reading, your core values might be health or personal growth. If you prioritize social activities like spending time with friends and family, your core values might be connection or community.

Make a list of your daily habits and reflect on the values that they reflect. Consider whether these values align with your personal beliefs and aspirations.

4. Consider your goals

Your goals are a reflection of your values. When you set goals that align with your values, you're more likely to achieve them and feel fulfilled in the process. Conversely, if you set goals that don't align with your values, you'll feel unmotivated and unfulfilled.

Take a look at your goals and ask yourself which values they reflect. For example, if your goal is to become financially independent, your core values might be self-sufficiency or financial security. If your goal is to travel the world, your core values might be adventure or exploration.

Make a list of your current goals and reflect on the values that they reflect. Consider whether these values align with your personal beliefs and aspirations.

5. Write a personal mission statement

A personal mission statement is a declaration of your core values, beliefs, and aspirations. It can help you clarify your purpose and guide your decisions and actions. Writing a personal mission statement can be a powerful exercise in determining your core values.

Start by reflecting on your peak experiences, role models, habits, and goals. Consider what values are most important to you and how they influence your decisions and actions. Then, write a statement that reflects your personal philosophy and purpose. Your personal mission statement should be concise, clear, and inspiring.

Here's an example of a personal mission statement:

"I am committed to living a life of authenticity, kindness, and adventure. I believe in the power of connection and strive to build meaningful relationships with those around me. I value personal growth and am constantly seeking new experiences and challenges. My purpose is to inspire others to live their best lives and make a positive impact on the world."

Once you have written your personal mission statement, use it as a guide for your life. Review it regularly and make sure that your actions align with your values and aspirations.

In conclusion, determining your core values is a crucial step towards creating a fulfilling life. Your core values represent the essence of who you are as an individual and can guide your decisions and actions. To determine your core values, identify your peak experiences, consider your role models, look at your habits, consider your goals, and write a personal mission statement. Living in alignment with your core values can help you find a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment that cannot be achieved in any other way.