What are Core Values, and How to Identify and Develop Yours

By: Chris Jonas

College Admissions Coach

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Embarking on a Journey to Uncover and Understand your Core Values

Introduction:

We've all had those moments where we pause, take a deep breath, and ask ourselves, "What truly matters to me?" It's in the laughter shared with family, the pride felt after an honest day's work or the peace experienced in solitude. These are fleeting feelings and reflections of our deeply held core values. They shape our choices, mold our behaviors, and give our lives meaning. Let's embark on a journey together, diving deep into what makes us 'us' and uncovering the values that anchor us, especially during life's tumultuous waves. Shall we begin?

Understanding Core Values

At their core, values are beliefs or opinions that significantly influence our lives. They are the underpinning ideas that define our character and drive our reactions to various situations. These beliefs often act as a blueprint for goal-setting and decision-making.

Example: Think of values as the bedrock upon which the foundation of a house (our actions and decisions) is built. Without this bedrock, the place lacks stability and direction.

Why Are Core Values Vital?

Purpose and Direction: Understanding our core values helps in charting a life course that is truly meaningful and fulfilling.
Informed Decision Making: They serve as a filter, aiding in choices that resonate with our authentic selves.
Career Alignment: Recognizing personal values can guide career decisions, ensuring a fulfilling professional life.
Self-Confidence Booster: With clear values, we gain confidence in our decisions, knowing they align with our deepest beliefs.

Unraveling Your Core Values: A Six-Step Guide

List Potential Values: Begin by jotting down values that resonate with you from a given list or those that spontaneously come to mind.
Seek Inspiration from Admired Individuals: The qualities we admire in others often reflect our own values. List down people you admire and the values they embody.
Reflect on Past Experiences: Analyze pivotal moments in your life, both positive and challenging. What values were at play during those times?
Group Similar Values: By categorizing interconnected values, you can gain clarity about overarching themes in your value system.
Identify Central Themes: For each category, pinpoint a word that encapsulates the essence of the grouped values.
Prioritize Your Top Values: Narrow your list to the most vital values, ideally between five and ten. Reflect on their significance and rank them.

The Impact of Recognizing Core Values

The benefits of identifying core values are manifold. Apart from offering a sense of purpose, they:

Act as behavioral guides, ensuring our actions mirror our true selves.
Aid in decisive moments, offering a clear path that aligns with our beliefs.
Simplify career choices, steering us towards vocations that resonate with our core beliefs.
Bolster self-confidence, as clarity in values results in conviction in actions.

Deep Dive into Core Values: The Underlying Essence:

The Origin of Core Values

While many believe that values are instilled during childhood and adolescence, it's crucial to recognize that they're also shaped by various life experiences, societal norms, cultural backgrounds, and even historical events that have indirectly influenced our upbringing.

For instance, someone growing up in a household emphasizing community and charity might place a high value on generosity. Simultaneously, someone growing up during political unrest might inherently value peace and stability.

Dynamic Nature of Core Values

As we evolve, so do our core values. Life's transformative events, like becoming a parent, facing financial hardships, or even traveling and experiencing different cultures, can cause shifts in what we hold dear. Periodic reflection is essential to ensure our values align with our current self.

The Interplay between Personal and Professional Values

It's a common misconception that personal and professional values are distinct. In reality, our core values influence every sphere of our lives. A person who values integrity in their personal life will likely uphold the same professionally, emphasizing honesty in business dealings or transparency in leadership.

Challenges in Living by Your Core Values

While understanding our values is one thing, consistently living by them can be challenging. External pressures, societal expectations, or personal ambitions can sometimes blur our value-driven clarity. It's essential to recognize these moments of divergence and recalibrate.

Tip: When faced with a challenging decision, envision a scale with your core values on one side and the decision's immediate benefits on the other. Which weighs more? This visualization can provide clarity.

Nurturing a Value-Centric Environment

For those in leadership positions or with influence over community spaces, fostering environments where core values are recognized and respected is vital. This can be achieved by:

Open Dialogues: Encourage discussions where individuals can express their values, leading to mutual respect and understanding.
Value-based Initiatives: Organize events or workshops that align with shared community or organizational values.
Walk the Talk: Leaders should exemplify the values they preach, setting a benchmark for others.

Core Values and Mental Well-being

A life misaligned with one's core values can lead to feelings of unrest, dissatisfaction, and even mental health challenges. When we act against our values, it creates internal turmoil. Recognizing and addressing such mismatches is essential for holistic well-being.

Example: If 'family' ranks high in your values, but you find yourself consistently prioritizing work, it might lead to stress and guilt. A re-evaluation and realignment of priorities could bring much-needed peace.

Final Reflections

In the ever-evolving tapestry of life, our core values are the steadfast threads that lend it color, pattern, and meaning. They are silent yet powerful, intangible yet palpable. By regularly revisiting and honoring these values, we enrich our lives and positively impact those around us. Embrace them, nurture them, and let them guide you towards a life of authenticity and fulfillment.

Discussion Question:

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Have you ever encountered a moment in life where understanding your core values drastically influenced or changed a decision you were about to make? Share your story and insights!

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