Identifying your core values can help guide your decisions, actions, and career path. This exercise will help you discover what truly matters to you.
Instructions
Follow these steps to identify your core values:
- Step 1: Review the values list - Look through the comprehensive list of values below and mark any that resonate with you.
- Step 2: Narrow down your selections - From your marked values, select the 10-15 that feel most important to you.
- Step 3: Prioritise your top values - From your shortlist, identify your top 5-7 core values.
- Step 4: Reflect on your core values - Consider how these values show up in your life and career, and how you can align your decisions with them.
Values List
Achievement & Growth
- Achievement
- Growth
- Learning
- Excellence
- Challenge
- Competence
- Improvement
- Self-development
- Wisdom
- Knowledge
Relationships
- Connection
- Belonging
- Community
- Family
- Friendship
- Love
- Trust
- Collaboration
- Empathy
- Loyalty
Autonomy & Freedom
- Independence
- Freedom
- Autonomy
- Choice
- Flexibility
- Self-reliance
- Individuality
- Privacy
- Space
- Spontaneity
Contribution & Service
- Contribution
- Service
- Helping others
- Making a difference
- Compassion
- Generosity
- Altruism
- Social responsibility
- Mentoring
- Legacy
Integrity & Authenticity
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Authenticity
- Truth
- Transparency
- Principles
- Ethics
- Responsibility
- Accountability
- Congruence
Balance & Wellbeing
- Balance
- Health
- Wellbeing
- Self-care
- Peace
- Calm
- Harmony
- Sustainability
- Presence
- Mindfulness
Security & Stability
- Security
- Stability
- Safety
- Order
- Predictability
- Reliability
- Consistency
- Structure
- Protection
- Financial independence
Reflection Questions
After identifying your core values, consider these questions:
- Would you add any other values that are not listed here?
- How do your top values influence your career and life choices?
- When have you felt most aligned with your values? What were you doing?
- Are there areas in your life where you're not honouring your values?
- How might you make decisions differently with your values as a guide?
- What changes could you make to better align your life with your core values?
Action Plan