Values are the guiding principles that define who we are and what we stand for. They help us make decisions, set goals, and live a meaningful life. However, many people struggle to identify their values.
What are Values?
Values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. They are the foundation of our identity and shape our worldview. Values can be broad concepts such as honesty, integrity, and respect, or more specific beliefs such as the importance of family or environmental sustainability.
Why are Values Important?
Values are important because they provide us with direction and purpose. They help us set goals and make decisions that align with our beliefs and priorities. When we live according to our values, we are more likely to feel fulfilled, content, and at peace. On the hand, when we live in a way that doesn’t align with our values, we can experience guilt, shame, and a sense of emptiness.
How to Find Your Values
Identifying your values can be a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable process. It requires introspection, self-awareness, and honesty. Here are some steps you can take to discover your values:
1. Reflect on Your Past
Think about times in your life when you felt most alive, engaged, and fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you with? What values were you living out? Conversely, think about times when you felt unfulfilled, bored, or disconnected. What values were being suppressed or neglected?
2. Identify Your Strengths
What are your strengths and talents? What activities or tasks come easily and naturally to you? These strengths can give clues to your values. For example, if you’re naturally empathetic and enjoy helping others, your values may include compassion and service.
3. Consider Your Priorities
What is most important to you? Is it your family, career, spirituality, or health? Your priorities can help you identify your values. For example, if your family is a top priority, your values may include love, loyalty, and commitment.
4. Look to Role Models
Who do you admire and respect? What qualities do they possess? Your role models can give you insight into the values that are important to you. For example, if you admire someone for their integrity and honesty, those values may be important to you as well.
5. Examine Your Emotions
What makes you feel happy, content, and fulfilled? What makes you feel frustrated, angry, or disappointed? Our emotions can be a sign of our values. For example, if you feel frustrated when you see injustice in the world, your values may include fairness and equality.
6. Use a Values Assessment
There are several online assessments that can help you identify your values. These assessments typically ask you to rank a list of values in order of importance to you. While these assessments can be helpful, remember that they are only a starting point. Your values may be different from those suggested by the assessment.
7. Narrow Down Your List
Once you have identified a list of potential values, narrow it down to a few key values that resonate with you the most. These values should be ones that you feel passionate about and that you are willing to prioritise in your life.
8. Live Your Values
Identifying your values is just the first step. The next step is to live your values. This means making decisions and taking actions that align with your values. It may also mean setting boundaries and saying no to things that conflict with your values.
Identifying your values can be a challenging but rewarding process. It requires self-awareness, introspection, and honesty. By taking the time to identify your values, you can make decisions that feel authentic and meet your needs.
