Welcome back to our series on living and making decisions with thoughtful intention! Last time, we explored “The Power of the Pause” – creating space to move from reactivity to responsiveness. Today, we delve into what guides those thoughtful responses: your Core Values.
Imagine navigating a vast ocean without a compass or a guiding star. It would be easy to get lost, to drift aimlessly, or to be pulled off course by every current and gust of wind. In life, our core values act as that internal compass, our personal North Star. They are the deeply ingrained principles that guide our behavior, help us distinguish between right and wrong for ourselves, and inform our decisions when we consciously choose to consult them. Living an intentional life means not just knowing these values, but actively aligning your everyday choices with them.
At Enlightened, we believe that this alignment is fundamental to authentic well-being and is a key part of the holistic journey we support for our clients in the Warren/Youngstown area.
What Are Core Values, and Why Do They Matter for Intentional Living?
Core values are the fundamental beliefs that are most important to you. They are not fleeting preferences but enduring principles that dictate what you find meaningful and how you aspire to live. Examples might include honesty, compassion, creativity, family, growth, security, adventure, community, or service.
Why do they matter so much for intentional living?
- Decision-Making Filter: When faced with choices, big or small, your core values provide a filter. Asking “Does this align with what’s most important to me?” can bring instant clarity.
- Reduces Internal Conflict: Living in accordance with your values often leads to a greater sense of inner peace and integrity. When your actions contradict your values, it can create stress and dissatisfaction.
- Provides Motivation and Purpose: Values give meaning to your actions and goals. They are the “why” behind what you do, fueling your motivation, especially when things get tough.
- Guides Behavior: They help you navigate complex situations and relationships by providing a consistent framework for your behavior.
- Increases Authenticity: Aligning with your values allows you to live more authentically, expressing your true self rather than conforming to external pressures.
Uncovering Your Personal North Star: How to Identify Your Core Values
Identifying your core values is a process of self-reflection. It’s not always about discovering something new, but often about uncovering what’s already deeply important to you. Here are a few ways to start:
- Reflect on Peak Experiences:
- Think about times in your life when you felt truly happy, fulfilled, or proud. What values were you honoring in those moments? (e.g., creativity, connection, achievement).
- Consider What Angers or Frustrates You:
- Often, what upsets us is when a deeply held value is being violated (either by ourselves or others). If injustice angers you, perhaps fairness or equality is a core value.
- “Desert Island” Test:
- If you were to describe to someone what’s most important for a fulfilling life, what principles would you emphasize? What would you want to pass on?
- Use a Values List (As a Starting Point):
- You can find many lists of core values online. Read through one and circle the words that resonate most strongly with you. Then, try to narrow it down to your top 5-10.
- Talk About It: Discussing this with a trusted friend or a holistic wellness coach can provide valuable insights and help you articulate your values more clearly.
- Look at Your Actions:
- Sometimes our actions (especially how we spend our time and money when we have a choice) reveal our underlying values, even if we haven’t consciously named them.
Aligning Everyday Choices with Your Guiding Principles
Once you have a clearer sense of your core values, the practice is to bring them into your daily decision-making:
- Before Committing: When a new opportunity or request arises, ask yourself: “Does saying ‘yes’ to this align with my core values of [e.g., family time, creativity, health]?”
- In Dilemmas: When facing a difficult choice, consider which option best honors your most important principles.
- Setting Goals: Ensure your personal and professional goals are rooted in your values. This makes them more meaningful and motivating.
- Review Regularly: Your understanding of your values might evolve, or their priority might shift at different life stages. It’s good to revisit them periodically.
Living a value-aligned life doesn’t mean every moment will be easy or that you’ll never face conflict. But it does mean you’ll navigate life with a greater sense of integrity, purpose, and inner direction. It’s a cornerstone of creating an “Enlightened” existence.
What are one or two core values that you know are essential to your well-being? How might you bring more awareness to them in your decisions this week? We invite you to talk about it.
If you’re seeking support in identifying your core values and learning how to align your life more intentionally with what truly matters to you, Enlightened offers a dedicated space for this exploration.