Live Your Core Values: 10-Minute Exercise to Increase Your Success

How are you showing up at work? In your personal relationships? For yourself? How you show up in the world is determined by your core values.

It doesn’t take years of self-reflection to uncover your core values.  This simple exercise can help you determine them so you can start aligning your personal goals with them. How long will it take? About 10 minutes, well worth the investment!

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.

Want to learn more? Join us for the Work/Life Balance track and the next Global TapRooT® Summit!