Have you ever taken time to define your personal VALUES?  If not… No worries. Most of us don’t seem to have the time or even the know how to do this exercise.  VALUES, we might assume, are for big businesses, schools, hospitals, non-profits but not so much for us individuals.  I’ve been there. However, I have, in the last few years, worked on my values.  I defined my values as Purpose, Wholeness and Impact.

Think about it like this a vision statement is about our passion.  A mission statement is about our how we will live out our passion. But … our values are how we will stay on track and not very from our passion.  If our passion metaphorically is the engine, our mission is the vehicle, then our Values are like the GPS guiding the steering wheel.  Pretty important.

Defining our values. Lets Go!

Originally posted https://www.taproot.com/live-your-core-values-exercise-to-increase-your-success/
Our core values are the true representation of our authentic selves.

Unfortunately, our authenticity is not always what we present to the world.

The bright beacon of core values may dim under the clouds of other people or circumstances.  That is why it is important to know and stand firm on what your core values are.  If you put a small value on your core values, we can assure you that the world will not raise your price!

It doesn’t take years of soul searching and self-reflection to find your core values.  This simple exercise can help you start living your best life according to your core values. How long will it take? About 10 minutes. Isn’t it worth 10 minutes to refocus your life on your core values?

Grab a pen and piece of paper and let’s go!

1. Determine Your Core Values

From the list below, choose and write down every core value that resonates with you.  Do not overthink your selection.  As you read through the list, simply write down the words that feel like a core value to you personally.  If you think of a value you possess that is not on the list, write it down.

2. Group All Similar Values Together from the List of Values You Just Created

Group them in a way that makes sense to you, personally.  Create a maximum of five groupings.  If you have more than five groupings, drop the least important grouping(s).  See the example below.

3. Choose One Word Within Each Group that Represents the Label for the Entire Group

Again, do not overthink your labels – there are no right or wrong answers.  You are defining the answer that is right for you. See the example below – the label chosen for the grouping is bolded.

4. Add a Verb to Each Value Label

Add a verb to each value so you can see what it looks like as an actionable core value. For example:

Live in freedom.
Seek opportunities for making a difference.
Act with mindfulness.
Promote well-being.
Multiply happiness.

This will guide you in the actions you need to take to feel like you are truly living on purpose.

5. Finally, Post Your Core Values Where You See Them when Faced with Decisions

Where should you post them? Write your core values in order of priority in your planner, so they are available as an easy reference when you are faced with decisions.  Put them on a sticky on the edge of your computer screen. Or make a background with them on it for your cell phone. For example:

1. Live in freedom.
2. Act with mindfulness.
3. Promote well-being.
4. Multiply happiness.
5. Seek opportunities for making a difference.

 Now Live Your Core Values!

If we can get to the place where we show up as our genuine selves,
and let each other see who we really are,
the awe-inspiring ripple effect
will change the world.
Terrie M. Williams

The most important thing you can do for your personal success today is to know your core values and use them as your guide.

Knowing core values is important because when we need to choose or decide something, you can do so easily by simply determining if the choice lines up with your true core values.  A life lined-up with personal values is a well-lived, purpose-filled life.