It’s that time of year again to start thinking about how next year needs to be different. How it’s time to finally get organized, finally pay off your debt, finally start going to the gym, finally discover your purpose in life… And then the reality of January hits. The fact is, not every goal — or method of achieving it — is aligned with our personal core values. So we fall off the wagon, hard. But if we focus on our core values from the beginning, we can set ourselves up for success as we head into the new decade.
What are Core Values?
Your core values are your inherent, fundamental beliefs about what is important to you. They guide all aspects of your life, whether you are aware of them or not. But if you are aware of them, your personal core values can inform your decisions and help you choose the best approach to a particular challenge in your life.
You may have heard this concept in a corporate setting. Many businesses create a set of values to provide direction to their employees from day one. Personal core values, though, are discovered more than they are created. We’ve built these tendencies in our years of life so far, so it’s just a matter of uncovering what’s already true about our own personalities.
How do I find my Core Values?
The quick answer is to read through a list of potential values, and choose the ones that resonate with you. Simply Google “core values list” and you’ll find literally hundreds of options!
But a better method is a more introspective one. Set aside some time to journal or think clearly on questions like the following:
- What areas of your life are you especially proud of?
- What causes or injustices drive you to action?
- What was a defining moment in your life, and why did it have such a significant impact on you?
- What skills or interests do you enjoy sharing or teaching?
Look for common themes or elements in the answers and examples you give from your life. For instance, does your pride for having conquered a long-term daily goal imply a value of consistency? Does your frustration with office politics suggest a value of authenticity? (These are some examples from my own experience!)
Ideally you’ll create a list of 5-10 core values that describe, in broad strokes, how you live your life and what matters the most to you.
What does this have to do with goal setting?
A ton! Being aware of your core values allows you to:
- Choose goals for the new year that actually matter to you
- Come up with accountability methods that will actually work for you
- If needed, determine motivating incentives that speak to those values
I’ve found that the process of discovering my core values was so crucial to getting my life together that it’s the first module of the Simple Harmonic Life program. We spend the first week of the twelve-week program uncovering your personal core values, so that you’re well on your way to a “put together life” when we dive into organizing your space, work, health, wealth, and time.
What are your core values, and how have they helped guide your journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
