What are your Core Values?

Have you ever found yourself asking, “What really matters to me? What do I want? What direction do I want to follow?”

All of these questions and more can be answered if you are clear on your core values.

What are core values?

They are a part of us.
They are what we stand for.
They provide purpose and direction.
They guide our decision-making.

In effect, they become our guiding compass. With a compass, you will not feel lost. The core values are the arrows on the compass that provide you with direction and meaning. When you are clear on your core values, you are better positioned to lead a purposeful life that you have chosen.

Core Values as a Checklist for Decisions

When you identify what truly matters for you, life becomes so much simpler because you are acting in accordance with your values all the time. You can use the values as a checklist and ask yourself, is this decision reflective of my core values? You can actually go through the values and check them off. The real benefit is that you have a tangible checklist, aka a compass, now for life.

As Verne Harnish explains in Scaling Up, when values permeate the company, leadership can avoid being sucked into day-to-day operational issues, the rule becomes, “if you think you need to ask me permission for something, just consult the core values!”

The values become that checklist that governs decisions and ethical behaviour.

Core Values Provide Meaning and Direction

A Stanford research project explored the key differences between lives of happiness and meaningfulness. The researchers surveyed 397 people over a month-long period. At the end, Clifton Parker who analyzed this study, concluded that;

“If happiness is about getting what you want, then meaningfulness is about expressing and defining yourself. A life of meaning is more deeply tied to a valued sense of self and one’s purpose in the larger context of life and community.”

Many people I have worked with tell me that their life takes on a new meaning and direction with their core values identified. Your core values really express who you are and what you stand for. When you know your core values you have the blueprint to lead an inspired life!

I’m here to help you to discover your core values and to set a plan of action. Book a free 20-minute consultation with me to see if coaching is right for you.