Identifying your values
What are Values?
Values are fundamental beliefs that determine what’s important to us. They dictate what we believe to be worthwhile, desirable and necessary to a good life. Our different values combine to create a life roadmap, pointing us in the direction of where we want to go and how we want to be.
Identifying your values will bring awareness to the things that are most important to you. Living with awareness of your values will help you identify and set boundaries whilst staying true to yourself.
Values can be thought of as aspirational traits. They are experienced as a journey rather than an end goal. One way to help with identifying your values is to know that they differ from qualities or goals and are not linked to circumstance. You cannot ‘achieve’ your values, they are an on-going pursuit and presence.
For example you might have the value of being healthy which involves the goal of going for a weekly run. The value of being healthy is something you can achieve regardless of whether you are able bodied or have the time to run or not. However the goal that you may have attached to your value is conditional on circumstance. Goals can change but the value stays the same. Values aren’t dependent on circumstances. For instance you can have a value of being generous without being wealthy by perhaps choosing to be generous with your time and attention.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you identify your values:
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What is important to me?
- What would I like to do more of if I could?
- How do I want to be remembered by people?
There are 1000's of values you could and may have, but here are some examples to get you started…
It's important to me to be...
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Kind
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Independent |
Playful
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Relaxed
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Compassionate |
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Fun
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Strict
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Creative
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Adventurous
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Motivated |
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Consistent
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Open-minded
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Honest
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Committed
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Positive |
Informed |
Passionate
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Respectful
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Funny
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Optimistic |
Energetic |
Fit |
Innovative
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Reliable |
Healthy |
Dependable |
Curious |
Consistent |
Laid back |
Loyal |
(Some of) My values are…
My 3 core Values are (which values that you've identified above feel most important to you) …