Why Would You Want to Know Your Core Values?

As we head towards the end of the year, many of us use this time to reflect on the year that was and start preparing for the year that will be. Maybe you have already identified a theme word for this year or some goals (i.e. intrinsic and extrinsic), however have you also taken your core values in to consideration?

What is a Value, a Value System and Core Values?

The term value, sometimes is used interchangeably with a value system and core values, so I decided to share them all. Following are some definitions of a value, a value system and core values, so you get the idea –

• Value – “The regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.” – Oxford Dictionaries
• “A personal value is absolute or relative and ethical value, the assumption of which can be the basis for ethical action. A value system is a set of consistent values and measures. A principle value is a foundation upon which other values and measures of integrity are based.” – Wikipedia
• Value – “A principle, standard, or quality considered worthwhile or desirable.” – The Free Dictionary
• Value – “Principles or standards of behaviour; one’s judgement of what is important in life.” – Google search
• “Core values are the fundamental beliefs of a person or organization. The core values are the guiding principles that dictate behavior and action. Core values can help people to know what is right from wrong; they can help companies to determine if they are on the right path and fulfilling their business goals; and they create an unwavering and unchanging guide.” – Your Dictionary

Where do Values Come From?

Our values come from and have been influenced by a range of factors including –

• the environment we grew up in (i.e. how/where we were raised and family and friends),
• society (i.e. culture, politics, employers),
• the media (i.e. social media, news and television etc),
• music, books and games, and
• the time period in which we grew up in.

What’s the Difference between Values and Core Values?

Core values are deeper. A little bit like an internal compass. They are there, but sometimes we don’t pay attention or live in alignment with them. If you know what triggers a very strong emotion in you (e.g. anger, love, hate) there will probably be a core value link there 🙂

Why are Core Values Important?

Our Core Values help us –

• develop insight and know ourselves better,
• reflect our truest essence,
• choose the relationships we have,
• clarify and guide our decisions, intentions and behaviour,
• decide what to make time for and not make time for, and
• establish a relationship between us and the outside world.

What are the Benefits of Knowing Your Core Values?

The main benefits of knowing our core values are –

• they help us to develop self-awareness,
• know ourselves and our needs better, and
• guide us in our day to day decisions around our priorities in life.

Hopefully this article has given you some ideas as to why identifying your core values are important. So next time you are sitting down dreaming and planning your goals, make sure they are in alignment with your core values.

“Developing inner values is much like physical exercise. The more we train our abilities, the stronger they become. The difference is that, unlike the body, when it comes to training the mind, there is no limit to how far we can go.” ~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama

If you are ready to reclaim your courage and take the next step towards freedom and opening your heart, why not join our Toolkit?