Knowing your own values

This isn’t quite the same as knowing your value, which is also important!

Live into your values rather than trying to live up to them. The best way to do this is to identify a core value that is true for you right now, rather than one that is aspirational. Your core value should be a support and guide rather than be a test or critic. 

One way to identify your core value is to whittle down a long list to the one (or maybe two) that really resonate with you. I developed the list below from many sources, so it is long – you may think it’s repetitive and that some concepts don’t rate a mention. Be assured that others will find just what they are looking for in the ones you think are superfluous. It is a constant wonder (and a wonderful thing) how different we all are!

I suggest you print the list and cross out all of the ones that don’t immediately resonate. Then go back to the remaining values and circle or highlight each value that you really feel an affinity with. Of those, go back and choose your top ten.

Now review your top ten to choose your top five. Now your top three… and two… and one. Too hard? You can keep your top two if you can’t get it down to one!

If you’d like to do this as a more tactile activity, or with others, cut the values list up and use them as cards to separate into yes/no piles. Then go through the ‘yes’ pile, separating them again (and again!) to whittle them down.

Of course, if you’re more digitally savvy, you can probably just work through the list on screen with a stylus!

Let me know what you think of this activity, what you learned and if you have any suggestions for how I can improve it.

Family	Freedom	Security	Loyalty
Intelligence	Connection	Creativity	Humanity
Success	Invention	Diversity	Generosity
Integrity	Finesse	Love	Openness
Religion	Order	Advancement	Joy
Play	Forgiveness	Labour	Excitement
Belonging	Change	Goodness	Involvement
Faith	Wisdom	Beauty	Caring
Self-actualisation	Novelty	Perseverance	Honesty
Adventure	Kindness	Teamwork	Career
Communication	Learning	Excellence	Innovation
Quality	Community	Contributing	Spirituality
Strength	Entertainment	Wealth	Speed
Humility	Confidence	Interdependence	Power
Affection	Cooperation	Career	Privacy
Encouragement	Pride	Clarity	Charisma
Humour	Leadership	Renewal	Home
Contentment	Friendship	Courage	Balance
Compassion	Fitness	Health	Responsibility
Discipline	Professionalism	Relationship	Knowledge
Patience	Peace	Prosperity	Wellness
Gratitude	Grace	Endurance	Facilitation
Effectiveness	Environment	Independence	Fun
Fame	Justice	Appreciation	Willingness
Intuition	Trust	Patience	Forgiveness
Respect	Abundance	Reciprocity	Enjoyment
Entrepreneurialism	Happiness	Persistence	Harmony