How do our Core Values influence our Decision-Making process?
Can you articulate what your top three core values are? If you were pushed could you describe what a personal value is and why they are so important?
Put simply values help you decide what’s important in your life and the standards you want to live your life by.
Personally, I don’t believe we give enough thought to what our values are and how they influence our thinking. For me, values are our internal compass that steers our decision-making process in life including work, home and relationships.
It is more than defining that understanding what is right or wrong, but allows us to define our boundaries and decide what is right for us.
If we are living our life to our true values we create an inner peace that brings radiance to our face which impacts everything we do.
Values can help you determine what your priorities are in life. Although values can change, I think our core values don’t change. However, what does change is our priorities. For example, when you are starting out in your career, working long hours and being available to attend after work events or travel for the company, may lead to a promotion, salary and career success; which is a value to you. As you get older you may find career success is still a value to you but work-like balance is more of a priority therefore how you achieve that becomes your value.
How do you identify and articulate your core values? A good start is to ask your best friend to describe you? What words do they use? Kind, hardworking, security, ect , however even your closest friend might not be able to name your top three values as they are personal to you.
There are many exercises both online using psychometric tools and paper tools that can help you identify your values.
However, instead of using a list with predefined values, I would suggest you take some time to reflect on what your core values might be, by asking the following questions:
**** Start thinking about the times when you were happiest? What were you doing? Why were you so happy?
**** What were the values that made these memories?
Although you may initially find this difficult, it will allow your mind to be open to looking at your values rather than being influenced by a defined list, at this point.
Living in accordance with our values gives meaning and purpose to our lives. The more you are able to live your life to your values, the more rewarding your life will be.
Identifying and naming your values can be challenging and you will need to give yourself time to think about them. However, once you have identified your values and use them to make decisions you will take an important step towards living a happier, more authentic and less stressed life.
If you would like support in making a decision in your life that is keeping you stuck please drop me a message.
