Steps to discover your core values

Some of my absolute favourite projects were related to culture work with organizations. Helping them to define their set of core company values, building processes to embed them, seeing them embodied and in other times witnessing the misalignment between what was said and done and the dysfunction this is causing.

This work also inspired me to do the same exercise and uncover my own set of core values. To make sure that what I say and what I do are in alignment, leading to a healthier and happier me, and start making more conscious choices about my life.

What are the core values?

They are driving forces behind our actions and behaviour. They describe our essence- what is that we stand for, what is important to us. They shape our decision making in life. They are like a compass guiding our way.

How can you come up with your list of core values?

Please set aside 3-4 hours for some self-reflection and journaling and simply follow the steps below.

Step 1: Identifying moments of fulfilment and happiness and unpacking those in details. What aspects of that moment contributed to the positive feelings?

Step 2: Identifying regrets, moments when you felt frustrated. The process of elimination is also helpful when doing this work- identifying things that we are definitely not aligned with or things that straight annoy us, lead to anger or sadness.

Step 3: Who are your role models, people you admire in your life? What qualities do they have, what do they represent?

Step 4: Self-reflection and feedback from others. What qualities can you identify in yourself that others may find of value? What are your natural gifts?

Step 5: Ask ChatGPT for a "List of core values" and start identifying words that resonate based on the outcome of Step1-2-3-4. List out everything.

Step 6: Cluster them. Arrange similar words in one group and try to come up with 5 or 6 main groups as you finetune.

Here is the final list for me- my core values:

1. Health & Wellbeing

2. Meaningful contribution, making a positive difference in the world

3. Passion & Optimism

4. Learning & Growth

5. Integrity, justice, fairness

6. "Freecurity": balancing freedom & security

Having a conscious awareness of these helps making decisions that feel more aligned, and also helps creating more helpful habits.

I hope you will enjoy the journey of discovering yours!