Core Values: Why They Matter and How to Define Them
Do you know your core values? Many of us navigate life reacting to daily demands, rarely taking a step back to explore what truly drives us at our core. Yet understanding your values - the principles that define who you are and what matters most, can be one of the most empowering discoveries in life. Core values give us direction, influencing our decisions, relationships, and even our sense of purpose. In business, we're often encouraged to clarify values for the sake of a company's mission, but how often do we reflect on our own personal values? And if you have, when was the last time you revisited them? Life evolves, and so do our values. Checking in periodically ensures they still reflect who we are today.
Why Values Matter
Values are more than guiding words; they're the compass that keeps us aligned with our authentic selves. When we're connected to our core values, even tough decisions feel clearer, and we find a greater sense of fulfilment. But when our choices and actions don't align with our values, it's common to feel unsettled or unsatisfied, even if things look fine on the outside.
Steps to Discover Your Values
If you've never taken the time to identify your core values, here are some helpful steps to begin:
- Reflect on Meaningful Moments: Think back on times when you felt deeply happy or proud. What values were being honoured in those moments? Perhaps it was compassion, honesty, adventure, or family.
- Examine Challenges: Reflect on times you felt uneasy or disappointed. Often, these feelings arise when our values are compromised. What value might have been at odds during those times?
- Complete a Values Assessment: If you'd like structured guidance, a resource like yourselfirst.com offers a free values assessment that can clarify your core principles.
Reflecting on Values with Kids and Teens
Understanding values can be powerful for children and teenagers, too. As young people begin to make more independent decisions, knowing their values helps build confidence and self-awareness. It's especially beneficial to discuss values as a family around ages 10-12, when kids start facing new social dynamics and choices. For teenagers, values discussions can offer a sense of stability and self-assurance, helping them navigate peer pressure and develop their identities. By exploring values together, you can create a foundation of mutual understanding and support that will benefit them for years to come.
Revisiting Your Values
As we grow, our priorities and perspectives may change. Life's challenges, responsibilities, and experiences often shift our values. Re-evaluating them every few years can help us stay aligned with who we are becoming.
A Final Word
Defining and living by your core values is one of the most impactful steps you can take toward a more authentic, fulfilling life. Sharing this journey with children and teenagers can be equally rewarding, giving them a foundation of self-awareness and confidence. Take some time to explore your values and see where they lead you!