Values are the key to living a fulfilling life. Humans have always had a moral compass, and we often use values to guide our decisions. Values are considered the ‘glue’ that binds people together and enables their pursuit of happiness. There is no single formula for determining what makes for a fulfilling life. However, humans hold universal values, such as honesty, compassion, empathy, forgiveness, and equality.
To find your core values, you must go through a process of introspection and self-reflection that allows you to understand better who you are as a person.
How To Find Your Core Values
Look for the things that give you meaning in life. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to find your core values;
(1) These Are Often Things That Give You Joy & Make Your Day Easier
You find them by asking yourself questions like “What makes me smile?” and “What do I love to do?” Once you figure out your life’s purpose, your core values will be easier to identify. Every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow as a person. If we reflect, we can find what gives us purpose and makes us who we are.
(2) Identify What Is Most Important To You & Why
There is no standard answer as to what is most influential in finding your core values. However, if you take some time to think about it and identify your values, these things can be the most significant. To identify yours, ask yourself some questions, like “how I want to be remembered” and “What am I passionate about?”
To further break down the process of identifying what is most important, take note of the people, conversations, and situations that provoke an emotional reaction in you. Write down a list of why you felt emotional. This exercise will help you make an actual list of your top values. These might include;
- Integrity – Integrity is a core value in life, and it’s essential to be honest, and trustworthy. That way, people can trust each other.
- Trust is the foundation of all relationships, including family, friends, work colleagues, and strangers in society.
- Integrity also leads to meaningful friendships. It’s said to be the most essential of the values. It includes holding oneself accountable for making the right decisions and being truthful to oneself and others in everything.
- Respect – In life, respect is an integral part of humanity. It’s a critical concept, and therefore, to live well, it must be learned and understood by everyone. Respect others, be open-minded, and don’t judge someone by their appearance. Respect yourself and your decisions as well.
- Compassion – Dalai Lama once said that compassion is the highest virtue for a being. Compassion is the foundation of all happiness and has been central to human development. It’s a core value in life that reflects our humanity and ability to love.
- Reliability – Reliability is vital in all aspects of life and is considered a virtue. It’s a quality in a person which reflects the consistency of behaviour, thoughts, and actions. It is an attribute with positive connotations and is considered “the bedrock of success.”
- Friendship – Meaningful friendships provide us with an abundance of joy and happiness. They give us someone to confide in and share our troubles with. They make the world a more pleasant place and help us grow as people. Most importantly, friendships create a sense of belonging for those lonely or who feel different from others.
(3) What Do These Values Mean To You
Think about how these values impact your life, whether they give you a sense of purpose or guide your decision-making process.
(4) Write Down These Values On A Piece Of Paper Or Journal
When you write down your values and beliefs, it helps you to stay grounded when life throws challenges your way. It is easier to remember and keep what matters in challenging moments because you have it written down. Other benefits of writing down your values include the ability to live by them.
These values can change and shift over time, and by writing them down, you remind yourself why you do the things you do.It helps you to be more accountable for your thoughts and actions. Whether it’s a personal or professional value, there are many reasons to put pen to paper.
It creates a sense of peace and certainty within oneself and others around you.
(5) Brainstrom With Friends & Loved Ones About The Most Important Values They Have Found In Their Lives
Brainstorming is one of the best ways to find out what makes someone’s life meaningful. Many people struggle to find their life’s purpose, but once you do, it isn’t easy to imagine what life would be like without it. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or want to know your friends and loved one’s value in their lives, this is a great place to start. Sharing these values with others and talking about ways to live by them can bring people closer, make them more fulfilled, and foster meaningful friendships.
Final Thoughts
Your values are what guide your life and how you live it. They are the guidelines that help you decide if something is good or bad so that you can react to it. They are the things that give you meaning in life and help you prioritize your goals. Values can also act as a compass for making decisions about everyday life. Reflecting on what matters most to you can help you find these values.
It can be hard to find your actual values because they are often hidden in your day-to-day decisions. Finding them helps to break down each value into smaller components.
Once you know what these smaller components are, it becomes easier to identify where they fit into the bigger picture of your life.
Finding meaningful friendships is one way for people to find their core values and focus on their goals in life.
Do you know your values?
