Volume #25: How to Identify Your Core Values for Crystal Clear Prioritization

Here's a riddle for you: Below are three questions. The answer to each question is different, but the question guiding them is the same.

What is it?

🏆 What should you always, always prioritize, above all else?

🏆 Are you making the "right" decisions in your life? 

🏆 When you're totally overwhelmed, where do you find motivation to keep going?

Hint: The answer is a question.

(Pause while you consider all of the possibilities.)

➡️ The answer: What are your values?

Getting 💎 crystal clear 💎 on this question might just be the end-all of prioritization techniques.

By identifying the values guiding your motivations, preferences, and ideals, you can gain confidence in setting (and sticking to) your priorities.

How to Identify Your Core Personal Values

Are you ready to get to work identifying your personal values? Here’s a quick guide to help you get started - scroll to the end for open-ended reflection prompts!

1. Reflect on your influences.

Start by reflecting on the influences that have shaped you. Consider the full spectrum of your past experiences, and what they have taught you about what is important.This can include reflecting on your:

• Family of origin

• Social influences 

• Personal experiences

• Mentors and people you admire 

2. Review the complete list.

Take a look at a comprehensive list of core values. This can give you a broad perspective and help you discover values you might not have considered. For an extensive list, see our article on core values (insert internal link here). This step ensures you don’t overlook any values that are significant to you.

3. Narrow down your list (5-10).

Choose the values that stand out as most important to you. Aim for a list of 5-10 core values to keep it manageable and meaningful. These values should truly define your priorities and help you to make decisions. Write them down and let the list sit for a few days (or longer) to make sure these are your true values, and not overly influenced by your mood on that particular day.

4. Put your values into practice.

Recognize when your personal values are at work behind decisions you make in daily life. How does this influence your sense of fulfillment? Living in alignment with your values will reinforce them.

5. Review your list periodically and update it to reflect change.

As you grow and your circumstances change, your values may evolve. From time to time, review your list of core values to ensure they still resonate with you. This ongoing process helps you stay aligned with what truly matters in your life. 

Reflection Prompts for Discovering Your Personal Values

⭐ What are the most stable and enduring aspects of your life?
⭐ What will you cancel plans to make happen, no matter what
⭐ What qualities do you admire in yourself and wish to nurture?
⭐ What do you genuinely enjoy spending time on?
⭐ How do you see your role within your social groups?
⭐ What would you do if you were guaranteed to succeed?