You may feel like what do I stand for or what do I value when going to work every day.
It maybe time that you find your core values, also known as personal values. Knowing this really does help put meaning to what you do every day in your personal and work life.
What are your core values?
First let’s identify what core values are?
Core values are traits and qualities that determine what you prioritize in life personally and in business. When you live a life that aligns with your core values everything is life flows better. When you live different than your core values your life is not quite in order.
Having your core values established is very important. Establishing your core values gives you direction on what you will and will not accept in life.
Generally, your core values have a lot to do with what you do on a daily basis. Core values determine who you are or who you want to be and represent. This will be your guide to help you find your core values.
Why you need core values
We all have values that we live by you just may not have been able to recognize them. Your values determine the decisions you make in life. If you work an unsatisfying job as a salesman or woman but doing it for money, it will cause a lot of stress. You ultimately want to have a healthy lifestyle personally and at work that coincides with how you want to live on a daily basis.
In the end, you need to decide what is best for your life. What do you prioritize, what is acceptable, what are your life goals? This all shapes your core values.
Your core values are a part of how you live your life. Core values determine how you operate your business. As people we are always growing, learning, and changing. After carefully determining your core values, visit them monthly to make sure your lifestyle complements them.
I recommend choosing 3 to 5 core values to focus on. Remember your core values are the foundation of who and what you are allowing into your life or organization.
How to Find your core values
Tip 1: Choose what resonates with other people
As an Entrepeneur you want to keep in mind you customer base. What would they consider valuable, what would they consider most important? There must be a deeper meaning to all of your core values. A way to form them is by attaching meaning to each core value you have. Write out value statements with your core values.
Example: Core value: Impactful
Deeper meaning: I impact others by showing them how to start a business with no money.
That deeper meaning is going to help you realize that purpose behind what you daily. It will clarify what you stand for to those on the outside as well.
Tip 2: Find your core values through an example
When you are trying to find your core values, it may be helpful to think about someone you consider a role model. This person you choose should be someone that embodies similar qualities and traits as you. It could be a teacher, a friend or a celebrity.
After choosing this person, think about why you choose this person. Think about what attracted you to them. What are their most attractive qualities? What do you admire most about them?
This should help lead and guide you into what resonates most with who you are or who you want to represent.
For example, Michelle Obama is a wonderful role model of mine. She is a classy, intelligent, well-rounded women. I admire her strong work ethic and inability to quit when faced with adversity. I appreciate her authenticity.
Tip 3: Self-awareness is key
One of the keys to defining your core values is knowing who you are. Be self-aware. It’s important to know who you are and what you truly believe in.
It’s important to be honest with yourself. Know who you are, what you represent, and why you represent it. Make a list of all the traits and beliefs you possess. Ask yourself if you live by the beliefs you are claiming to trust in on to a daily basis. Are the values that you think you live by, or do you actually live by them?
Those of questions I had to ask myself and they were challenging to truly answer and face the truth. I know this will help bring you closer to finding your core values.
In addition, keep in mind how other people view you from the outside. Understand what others think about you. Think about how to respond to people when in different situations.
Keep in mind personal development and business development are one in the same. What you value personally will influence well you perform in your business as well.
Are you living by your core values?
If you have core values established, are you living by them?
Do your core values and lifestyle match up with what you say you believe?
Bonus Tip
Reflection Questions
I love reflecting. It is such a wonderful thing to do every day. I think that reflecting on your life and how you live daily is a great way to find your core values.
Answer the following reflection questions to help guide you when finding your core values.
- Take some time to reflect on who you are.
- How do you speak?
- What is your personality type?
- What do you consider right or wrong?
- What qualities do you find important for a person to have?
