Hi there Friend,
Let’s talk about core values.
By core values, I’m referring to the underlying principles (or values) that guide a person or organization.
Perhaps you’ve pondered core values before. Maybe you’ve done exercises to discover what yours are or worked for organizations that include a pep talk about them when they onboard new staff or cast vision for the future.
I wanted to talk about them today because understanding one’s values comes in really handy when faced with opportunities and choices.
I know you want to live a life you’re proud of, and part of the way we do that is by making decisions that reinforce what we believe to be important.
I personally revisit my core values on a regular basis because as I grow, my values naturally grow with me. I’ve also fluctuated from having 7+ core values in the past to having two main ones today (Wisdom and Beauty.)
If you’d like to explore your core values, I’ve included a short checklist below to help you identify what they are in your current life’s season.
Enjoy!
Steps to Identifying Your Core Values:
- Check out this list of core values from Brené Brown. (If you want a longer list to choose from, just google it—there are plenty out there.)
- Write down (or circle) the top 10 values that resonate with you. (Don’t overthink this. Go with your gut.) Feel free to add your own if they’re not listed.
- If you haven’t already, write your top values down. Look at them. Are there any with overlapping themes? Can some be combined?
- Refine your list. Out of those values, do some feel really important in comparison to the others. Highlight them.
- *Decide your top 3-5 values. These are what feel most important to you, and if you were to align your lifestyle with them you’d feel really good about it.
- Take your time. You don’t have to do this in one sitting. I’ve often done it over days or even weeks. Let the list settle in your heart until you land on something that feels ‘true’ to you.
*NOTE: If you’re really excited about 6 or 7 values, great. If you have two main ones like I do, great! This isn’t a legalistic exercise. I’ve just found from personal experience that the more core values I have, the more complicated it feels, so short and sweet works well for me. You do you!
I’d love to hear from you!
Drop me a line and let me know what your core values are. I love talking about this sort of thing and I always love reading your responses.
Also, while Wisdom and Beauty are my overarching core values, there are plenty of other things I’m passionate about. If you’re interested in learning more about what I love, go here and scroll down to the I Also Believe… section.
As always, I’m cheering you on!
