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One of the first questions I always ask my circle of influence is, “What are your core values?” Another way of asking that same question is: “What are the human qualities that you find inherently worthy, no matter what else may play out?” This question lies at the heart of our self-respect, which in turn is fundamental to how much we trust ourselves and our self-esteem.

How do your values affect every area of your life? And how does determining what they are have such a powerful impact on your relationship with yourself?

Knowing your core values allows you to trust yourself more.

Often life is confusing, and we are stuck with a decision that seems to force us to choose between bad and maybe worse. Both choices seem undesirable enough that we really feel stuck not knowing the exact “right” thing to do. If we are clear on our core values, this is our North Star or our compass. Even when we cannot clearly see the best path, if we use our core values to drive our decision-making, we can feel good because no matter what the outcome is, we can look at ourselves in the mirror and feel like we did our best. That is clarity, and that builds trust.

Your core values build your self-esteem.

Feeling worthy of love or “good enough” is one of the pillars of self-esteem, and I haven’t ever met someone who doesn’t struggle with this on some level. We are wired from birth to seek everything that we need from the outside in: food, love, validation.

Did I do well enough on the test? Did I get a good enough time in the race? Did I get into the school? Did I get the promotion?

As we all know, any given outcome can go either way, which means that at any given moment, we can be falling short. If instead we look from the inside out, using our core values as the litmus test for “good enough,” and live those values with the highest amount of integrity, we have the power to insulate ourselves from outcomes that fall on the “I learned something today” side of the coin, instead of the “Woo-hoo, I knocked it out of the park” side.

Even when the outcome falls short, if we did our best, we were brave, and we were kind, we can look in the mirror and feel proud. We always have control over our integrity with our core values; that is where we can hold ourselves to high standards, focusing on the process instead of the outcome.

Core values are bridges, not walls.

If we go deep enough, we share core values with all healthy humans—they are powerful bridges to connect us, not walls to keep us apart or defend ourselves with. Relationships are one of our core needs in life, and studies show that social interaction is the number-one activity tied to longevity.

Focusing on our core values and the core values of others—and seeing how we can find the commonality even when there are different hierarchies or perceptions—is a powerful tool in our quest for connection. The next time you’re in an interpersonal conflict, pause and ask yourself which of your core values are driving your perspective on the situation. Then try to figure out the other person’s core value perspectives.

Finally, see how you might find a way to meet both in a potential solution.

You can rest in your core values.

Life is a seemingly constant source of stress. Our core values can give us the peace, quiet, and rest that we desperately seek. In moments of pain and struggle, we can focus on those core values and practice embodying them, which can ground us and empower us.

Think about practicing gratitude, humility, compassion, and courage in the really stressful moments, and you will see what I mean. It takes practice, which is why I always recommend practicing when it is easy—so that it will come easier when things are hard.

As soon as you realize that you are out of alignment with this practice, just come back to it. Know that returning to your core values in and of themselves will make it easier next time.

What are the core values?

Let’s define value as relative worth or importance. Core life values, in this way, are things that are important to an individual—those that outweigh other aspects of life.

A goal can be “I want to make more money.” But underneath this goal, there may be a supporting value. Why do we want to make more money? Do we want to be able to travel or provide for our family? Values are the driving forces behind goals.

If your core life value is family, getting a promotion for the sacrifice of quality family time may not make you happy. That’s why it’s so important to identify your core life values; it helps us make the right decisions.

Health

Health is your core value if you:

• Are aware of how healthy you are?
• Build healthy habits and quit bad ones
• Keep a work-life balance

Relationship

Relationships are your core value if you:

• Make an effort to spend quality time with friends and family.
• You need to be close to people you love.
• You will do everything in your power to create a better life for your family.

Kindness

Kindness is your core value if you:

• Believe that everyone deserves to be loved.
• Care about others’ well-being or are engaged in acts of kindness.
• Are allergic to hate speech and mean words.

Happiness

Happiness is your core value if you:

• Prioritize the things that bring you the most joy.
• Pay close attention to your emotional well-being.

Creativity

Creativity is your core value if you:

• Are passionate about making something from scratch.
• Express yourself in creating art, music, writing, etc.

Physical fitness

Fitness is your core value if you:

• Are active and exercise regularly.
• Put in the work to stay fit and strong.

Gratitude is your core value if you:

• Take time to express gratitude to others.
• Don’t take the basics for granted.
• Believe that every day is a gift.

Career

Your career is your core value if you:

• Have high professional goals.
• You want to make a positive impact on others through your work.
• Enjoy making progress and are willing to put in the work.

Honesty and Integrity

Honesty and integrity are your core values if you:

• Speak your mind and stand behind your words.

Growth

Growth is your core value if you:

• I love to learn.
• Believe that one can be their best version through education.
• Focus on progress, not perfection.

 

Conclusion!

Core values are the threads that weave integrity, purpose, and authenticity throughout your life. These ideals guide you through uncertainty and turbulence like guiding lights. Embracing your basic principles gives you resilience and inner strength to overcome obstacles. Living by these ideals creates purpose and fulfillment. You base decisions, relationships, and success on your values. They anchor you to your essence and your desired effect during moments of doubt.
You’re character is built on your underlying values, not merely your beliefs. Accept them totally to reach your full potential and leave a legacy that reflects your path. Use your values to arrange a symphony of purpose and watch your life become a masterpiece of satisfaction and delight.