5 Ways To Define Your Core Values With A Free Worksheet

Living a life of purpose and intention starts with understanding what matters most to you. Your core values serve as the foundation for making decisions, setting goals, and cultivating meaningful relationships. However, many people struggle to define their core values, often leading to feelings of uncertainty and disconnection. In this article, we will explore five ways to discover your core values, along with a free worksheet to help you get started.

Why Are Core Values Important?

Your core values are the guiding principles that shape your behavior, attitudes, and decisions. They help you distinguish right from wrong, inform your priorities, and give your life direction. When you live in alignment with your core values, you feel more authentic, confident, and fulfilled. On the other hand, neglecting your core values can lead to feelings of discontent, anxiety, and disconnection.

Benefits of Defining Your Core Values

• Clarity and purpose
• Improved decision-making
• Increased confidence and self-trust
• Stronger relationships and communication
• Greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction

Method 1: Reflect on Your Past Experiences

One way to discover your core values is to reflect on your past experiences, both positive and negative. Think about times when you felt most alive, happy, and fulfilled. What values were you honoring in those moments? On the other hand, consider times when you felt unhappy, stressed, or unfulfilled. What values were being compromised or neglected?

• Take a few minutes to brainstorm a list of significant events or experiences from your past.
• Identify the values that were present in each experience.
• Look for patterns or common themes that emerge.

Example

• A person recalls a particularly meaningful experience volunteering at a local charity. They felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• Upon reflection, they realize that the values of compassion, kindness, and generosity were being honored.
• This experience helps them identify these values as core to their personal and professional life.

Method 2: Explore Your Role Models and Heroes

Another way to discover your core values is to look at the people you admire and respect. Who are your role models and heroes? What values do they embody that you aspire to? By studying the characteristics and behaviors of people you look up to, you can gain insight into the values that are important to you.

• Make a list of people you admire and respect.
• Identify the values and qualities that you associate with each person.
• Reflect on how these values align with your own goals and aspirations.

Example

• A person admires a friend who is known for their honesty and integrity.
• They realize that these values are essential to their own personal and professional relationships.
• They begin to prioritize honesty and integrity in their own life, recognizing their importance as core values.

Method 3: Consider Your Passions and Interests

Your passions and interests can also provide clues about your core values. What activities do you enjoy doing in your free time? What topics do you find most engaging and meaningful? By exploring your passions and interests, you can uncover values that are aligned with your natural talents and inclinations.

• Make a list of your favorite hobbies and activities.
• Identify the values that are associated with each activity.
• Reflect on how these values contribute to your overall sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Example

• A person loves spending time outdoors and hiking.
• They realize that the values of nature, conservation, and sustainability are essential to their well-being.
• They begin to prioritize these values in their personal and professional life, recognizing their importance as core values.

Method 4: Take a Core Values Assessment

There are many online resources and assessments that can help you discover your core values. These tools typically involve a series of questions or exercises designed to help you identify your values and priorities. By taking a core values assessment, you can gain a deeper understanding of what matters most to you.

• Research and find a reputable core values assessment online.
• Take the assessment and review the results.
• Reflect on how the identified values align with your goals, aspirations, and priorities.

Example

• A person takes a core values assessment and discovers that their top values are creativity, autonomy, and fairness.
• They realize that these values are essential to their personal and professional success.
• They begin to prioritize these values in their decision-making and goal-setting.

Method 5: Reflect on Your Long-Term Goals and Aspirations

Finally, your long-term goals and aspirations can provide insight into your core values. What do you hope to achieve in the next 5-10 years? What kind of person do you want to become? By reflecting on your long-term goals, you can uncover values that are aligned with your vision for the future.

• Make a list of your long-term goals and aspirations.
• Identify the values that are associated with each goal.
• Reflect on how these values contribute to your overall sense of purpose and direction.

Example

• A person wants to start their own business in the next 5 years.
• They realize that the values of entrepreneurship, innovation, and risk-taking are essential to achieving this goal.
• They begin to prioritize these values in their personal and professional life, recognizing their importance as core values.

Core Values Worksheet Gallery

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and practical methods for discovering your core values. Remember, your core values are the foundation of your personal and professional life. By taking the time to define and prioritize your values, you can create a more authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

What methods have you used to discover your core values? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!