Identify Your Core Values
What Matters Most to You?
We often get so swept up in the daily grind that the things that matter the most to us get lost in the hustle. What matters most to you are your core values. Core values are the principles and beliefs that guide your behavior and decision-making. Think of them as your identity building blocks. They help you align your actions with what truly matters to you.
Why Core Values Matter
Why should you bother identifying your core values? As I said before, they shape your identity. Without clear values, you risk going into auto-pilot, drifting, distracted by external influences, stuck in the comparison game, and unsure of where you’re headed (this was me not too long ago!). Defining your core values empowers you to make decisions that reflect your true self and provide the backbone to keep you on track to becoming who you want to be.
Follow these four steps to help identify your core values:
1. Reflect on your past experiences
Can you recall a moment in time when you felt truly happy? How about proud? Fulfilled? Can you recall a moment when you felt deeply upset? Let down? Disappointed? What values were upheld or violated in these situations? These emotional highs and lows often point to your core values.
2. List what matters most to you
Create a list of things that are non-negotiable in your life. I will post my personal core values and an example list below. Give yourself the time to think deeply about what you value most in yourself.
3. Look for recurring themes
Review your list and identify recurring themes or common threads linking these values (I have family and friends under my core value of connection). These can help you zero in on your core values.
4. Prioritize your values
Prioritizing helps you focus on what’s most important. Rank your values in order of significance. This can help guide your decisions when values come into conflict.
My Core Values
1. Connection (Family, Friends)
2. Honesty (Trustworthiness, Openness)
3. Growth (Authenticity, Self-Respect, Being Intentional)
4. Happiness (Balance, Inner Harmony)
Examples of Core Values
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Now it's time to live by them
Here are four ways you can integrate your core values into your daily life:
1. Make Decisions Aligned with Your Values
When faced with a tough choice, ask yourself: “Does this align with my core values?” If the answer is no, reconsider your options. Prioritizing your values ensures your decisions reflect who you are.
2. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People
Your environment plays a significant role in shaping your behavior. Surround yourself with people who share your core values. These relationships will support and reinforce your commitment to living authentically. If you’ve been looking for community, welcome! *I also need to note that I know what it is like when you feel like you can’t change your environment and that there is no hope. Hang in there, I’ve got you.
3. Set Boundaries or Say No Thank You
Setting boundaries protects your core values. For instance, if respect is a core value, don’t tolerate disrespectful behavior. Boundaries act as safeguards, keeping your values intact. Say no thank you to behaviors that do not align with your set core values. *Me, telling myself while writing this… “Perfectionism? That doesn’t align with me being authentic, no thank you. People pleasing? That doesn’t align with me being honest, no thank you. Stretching myself so thin with commitments that I lose my cool on my husband or daughter? That doesn’t align with putting family first, no thank you.” Those struggles I face don’t align with my core values, so no thank you. Set boundaries.
4. Communicate Your Values
Clearly communicate your values to your loved ones or someone you can trust and respect yourself enough to follow these values. Practice saying no thank you to the external pressure and expectations others put on you. Be you.
Then, come back to them
Core values aren’t set in stone. I mean, life happens. Life circumstances and experiences can shift your priorities at any given time. Come back to reassess your values periodically to ensure they still resonate with who you are and who you want to be.
Do a Little Self-Reflection
Set aside time for regular self-reflection. Are your actions consistent with your values? Have any values faded in importance or new ones emerged? This ongoing assessment keeps your values aligned with your self as you grow.
Ask Your Friends
Sometimes, an outside perspective can provide valuable insights. Talk to trusted friends or family about whether your actions reflect your stated values. Their feedback can help you stay on course.
Real Life Example
I practiced this myself before publishing this post!
As I was writing this, I sent a quick text and asked a few of my closest friends and family members:
"If I were to ask you what my values are or what matters most to me, what would you say?"
These are a few of the responses I received. *This is not to toot my own horn. This is to show you that this really works! I’ve been practicing living intentionally for a few years and I was honestly so shocked with how so many of these are comparable with the core values I’ve identified for myself.
Living Your Life, Intentionally
Identifying and living by your core values is essential for an authentic and fulfilling life. When you live by your core values, you not only stay true to yourself, but also inspire others to do the same. So take the time to identify and prioritize your core values and then get out there and live intentionally. Your future self will thank you.
Discover more from No Thank You, Love Cass
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Well this just put a big smile on my face. <3 ily
I’m so glad! 🙂 I love you too. Keep coming back to read more posts!