How to Live By Your Core Values
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As a leadership coach, I firmly believe that knowing your values and aiming to live them out is really important work. In fact, living in alignment with your values can create a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment in your life. When your actions and choices reflect what truly matters to you, you create a life that is authentic and meaningful.
However, let’s be honest, living out your core values is simply easier said than done.
The truth is, consistently living by your values can be complex, challenging, and quite messy. But, with some inspiration and a few extra measures of intentionality, it is possible! The key strategies I share here will make your work easier when you are striving to live in greater alignment with your most important values.
1. Identify your core values.
Begin by reflecting on your core values. What principles and beliefs are most important to you? Consider aspects such as relationships, personal development, health, career, and community. Write down the values that resonate with you, forming a foundation for your journey. Read my recommended steps for how to clarify your values.
2. Create a visual representation.
Visual aids can be powerful reminders of your values when it may be otherwise easy to forget. Consider creating a vision board, a mind map, or a symbolic representation of each value. Use colors, images, and symbols that evoke the essence of what you hold most dear. Place this visualization in a prominent location where you'll see it regularly. Consider these ideas to help you visualize your values:
Order one of my digital definition posters on Etsy or place a custom order with your unique values and definitions. Then frame and display the names and definitions of your core values in your home or office.
Learn a step-by-step process to creating an inspiring values board, credits of Mary Hoang, founder of the Indigo Project.
3. Conduct a values audit.
Conducting a values audit is a reflective process that can bring clarity and insight into how effectively you are living out your values. Set aside time for deeper reflection and then follow these simple steps:
Review your existing list of values.
Consider how well your current actions and decisions align with these values. In what areas do you feel a disconnect?
Take note of any inconsistencies. Which values are being neglected in some way?
Identify some strategies to integrate your values more effectively into daily habits and behaviors.
In this process, it’s important to engage in open and honest self-reflection. And for some extra inspiration, listen to Brené Brown describe how to do a values audit exercise and download the free worksheet.
4. Make values-based decisions.
When faced with decisions, big or small, refer back to your core values. Ask yourself whether a particular choice aligns with what you value most. This simple practice can guide you toward decisions that bring you closer to living with authenticity.To practice value-based decision making, try out these steps:
Review a specific decision you’re facing.
Write out the options you are considering.
Identify the values that are connected to each option you are weighing.
Determine which values are most important given the situation — and your goals.
Consider if any of the options may cause you to compromise one of your core values. If so, are you okay with the compromise?
While weighing your options, ask yourself this question: How can I make a choice that will enable me to express my most deeply held values?
As you finalize your decision, be explicit about which values you chose to honor and why. Bringing clarity to how you make decisions will allow you to make more effective, values-based decisions in the future.
5. Set goals aligned with your values.
With clearly defined values, you will have more capacity for clarity in your strategic planning and goal-setting. Whether you are working towards personal growth or striving for the next steps in your relationships or career, ensure that your specific goals are synchronized with what matters most to you. This alignment will fuel your motivation and drive. Whatever your goal-planning process is, you just need a few extra moments to consider how your goals are linked to your core values. As you set yearly, monthly, or weekly goals, have your values displayed in front of you for easy reference. And if you don’t have a consistent goal-setting process, simply set one daily or weekly goal and intentionally list out how your values are represented within that goal.
You can reap powerful benefits from values-driven goal-setting. Reviewing your goals compared to your values may help you to realize which values you actually prioritize the most often, and it may give you the insight to see and address any gaps between your values and your behaviors. You will also be more empowered to spend your time on things that truly matter.
6. Keep a journal.
Keeping a journal can be a powerful tool for reinforcing your commitment to live out your values.
Start by setting aside dedicated time each day or week to jot down your thoughts and experiences in a dedicated journal.
Begin by revisiting your core values, and then explore how they were evident in your recent actions and decisions.
Reflect on moments when you felt aligned with your values and consider those instances where you may have deviated.
Be honest and open with yourself, using the journal as a safe space for self-discovery. Take note of the emotions and insights that arise during your reflections.
As you continue this practice, you'll likely identify patterns and areas for growth. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and use challenges as opportunities to learn and realign. Over time, your journal will become a valuable resource for understanding the journey of living in accordance with your values, providing clarity and motivation for continued growth.
7. Embrace flexibility & growth.
As you navigate the various seasons and stages of life, recognize that your values may evolve and shift in ways that are needed. Embrace change and allow your values to grow with you. Regularly reassess and adjust your visual representation or written list of values on an ongoing basis, ensuring they remain a true reflection of who you are.
