What’s important to you? When we first hear that question, we might feel a little put on the spot and fumble to say something. Often our immediate answers something along the lines of “Uh, family, friends, loyalty?” and then we find ourselves questioning what it is that we do find important. For some people this is easy, for others it can feel impossible to define.
That’s where core values come in. We as people can have an infinite number of values, but only handful are near and dear to our hearts. These are called core values because they are core to who you are and what you hold to be most important. Other values might be work or business related and only be present in those situations. Identifying your values, especially your core values, isn’t always easy as most people have never sat down to define their values with a set of words, but the result of that can be very profound.
My own core values are excellence, freedom, authenticity, creativity, family, and compassion. Yours may look similar or completely different. Alternatively, we might use the same word to define a value, but implement and carry out that value in a different way. Knowing your core values can be incredibly valuable for understanding yourself and how you make decisions.
Having your core values clearly defined can help you to align your thoughts and actions in a way that feels true to who you are. Frustrated with a co-worker? Perhaps tapping into your value of compassion can ease tensions. Thinking about a corporate job offer? You might ask yourself, how does align with my value of community? By tapping into and aligning with our core values we can gain clarity and take empowered action.
Identifying your values might be a challenge at first, but the effort reaps rewards. By knowing your values, you begin a journey to know yourself better and live more authentically.
So, what are you waiting for? What’s important to you?
