The benefits in learning your core values: Finding your own True North
We can finally feel the days getting longer but we know there’s still several weeks until the warmth returns. Many of us are still in hibernation mode but dreaming of summer days.
This can be a great season to take some time to turn inward and start creating a foundation for ourselves as we adventure through the year. In the journey of personal growth and fulfillment, understanding and embracing our core values stands as a pivotal milestone.
Core values serve as the compass that guides us through life's myriad of choices, shaping our decisions, actions, and ultimately our lives. They’re the bedrock upon which authentic happiness, fulfillment, and success are built. In this article, we will delve into the profound benefits of knowing our core values and will also provide practical insights on how to unearth them.
The Significance of Core Values
Clarity and Direction: Core values illuminate the path forward, offering clarity amidst life's uncertainties. When aligned with these values, we experience a sense of purpose and direction, enabling us to navigate challenges with resilience and determination.
Authenticity and Integrity: Understanding our core values fosters authenticity, allowing us to show up as our true selves. This alignment cultivates a deep sense of integrity, as our actions and choices become rooted in personal values rather than external pressures or societal expectations.
Decision Making: Core values serve as a filter for decision-making, empowering us to make choices that are congruent with our beliefs and aspirations. This clarity simplifies the decision-making process, reducing indecision and promoting confident action.
Resilience and Adaptability: In times of adversity or change, core values provide a steadfast anchor to weather storms with resilience. When faced with challenges, staying true to our values fosters adaptability and fortitude, navigating through turbulent waters with grace and perseverance.
Fulfillment and Well-being: Aligning ourselves with our core values enhances our overall well-being and life satisfaction. When we prioritize what truly matters, we experience a sense of contentment, transcending fleeting pleasures in pursuit of lasting meaning and joy.
How to Discover Your Core Values
Reflect on past experiences: Take time to reflect on significant moments in your life—both positive and negative. Identify the values that were present during these experiences and consider their importance to you.
Identify role models: Think of individuals you admire and respect. What qualities do they possess? These attributes often mirror your own core values or values you aspire to embody.
Consider what energizes you: Pay attention to activities or pursuits that energize and inspire you. These passions often reflect underlying values such as creativity, freedom, or collaboration.
Examine your priorities: Assess how you allocate your time, energy, and resources. Your priorities reflect your values, providing valuable insights into what truly matters to you.
Seek feedback: Ask trusted friends, family members or colleagues to provide honest feedback about your strengths and character. Their perspectives may shed light on values that are central to your identity.
Explore cultural and spiritual influences: Consider the cultural or spiritual traditions that have shaped your beliefs and worldview. These influences often play a significant role in shaping core values.
Embracing Your True North
Discovering and embracing core values is a transformative journey—a journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and purpose. As you unearth your values and integrate them into your life, remember that values evolve over time. Stay open to growth and exploration, allowing your values to adapt and expand alongside your experiences and aspirations.
By living in alignment with our core values, we embark on a path of deeper fulfillment, authenticity, and enduring joy—a path guided by the unwavering light of your True North.
Charlie Webb, RP, CT.
Owner and Therapist.
