Defining Personal Values
Whether we realize it or not, we each have a personal set of values — a basic set of ideals we rank in meaning and importance. Maybe it’s innate, maybe it was taught to us as kids, or maybe we rely on norms in our social circles to guide us. As adults it’s common to relax into autopilot, settling into established thought patterns and actions. But if your ideas don’t align with your behavior, you may be left feeling unfulfilled. Have you ever done inventory on your personal set of values or considered how important it is? Here are some prompts to get the wheels turning.
What’s the significance?
Personal values are the driving force behind the decisions we make and the lives we lead. How we treat people, how we spend our time, and what we accomplish all point back to our lifetime values. Consider your values your “why” in life...why you do whatever you do.
Where do we start?
We can begin to establish our core principles by asking ourselves some basic questions like: What inspires me? What upsets me? What's my proudest achievement? What’s something I’d be devastated not to have accomplished at the end of my life?
What are examples of core values?
Creativity. Honesty. Sustainability. Wealth. Structure/Routine. Love. Wellness. Companionship. Career. Spontaneity. Community. Adventure/Travel. Vulnerability. This is just a quick starting point—there are so many more!
Now what?
Once we know what ranks highest in our code of behavior, we can live a more pointed life. Our list of values serves to inform how we move in our day-to-day lives. For example, if you listed friendship as a top priority you might make it a point to schedule dinner, or a phone call, or some other means of communication with friends once a week. If wellness is a priority, you might wake up a half hour earlier every day to meditate or practice yoga.
As we grow through different stages of our lives, our list of values may change or rearrange. Something that was once of top three importance may fall to a lower number. It’s helpful to re-evaluate what matters most to us as the seasons in our lives unravel. Defining a code of standards helps us set goals, reach them, and live with integrity and purpose. How will you be incorporating your personal values to live more intentionally?
