Core Values: Who, what, where, why, how!
Written by
Stella Romeo
Imagine navigating through life without a map, unsure of which path to take at every crossroads. It sounds overwhelming, right? That’s how life can feel when you’re not in touch with your Core Values—the principles that define who you are and guide your decisions. As you step into new chapters, whether it’s graduating high school, starting college, or beginning your career, understanding your Core Values can be the key to unlocking a more purposeful and fulfilling life.
What Are Core Values?
Core Values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that rest at the heart of your identity, guiding your behavior, decisions, and interactions with the world. Think of them as your internal compass, pointing you in the direction that aligns with your true self. Whether you value honesty, creativity, connection, or achievement, these values shape who you are and how you engage with others.
Why Do Core Values Matter?
1. Guidance in Decision-Making: Your Core Values act as a decision-making framework. When you know what matters most to you, making choices becomes less difficult. For example, if one of your Core Values is integrity, you’ll likely avoid situations that compromise your honesty, even if it seems like the easier path
2. Increased Wellbeing: Living in alignment with your Core Values can improve your mental and emotional wellbeing. According to research, when you activate your Core Values, you engage the reward centers in your brain, leading to increased optimism, happiness, and a greater sense of meaning in life.
3. Resilience in Challenges: Knowing and living by your Core Values can help you stay grounded during difficult times. When faced with challenges, your Core Values serve as a reminder of what’s important, helping you to navigate obstacles with confidence and clarity.
4. Authentic Relationships: Core Values play a crucial role in building and maintaining meaningful relationships. When you interact with others based on shared values, you create deeper, more authentic connections. This is especially important as you are moving into new environments and building a support network.
How to Identify Your Core Values
Reflect on a moment when you felt truly happy or proud of yourself. What Core Values were you honoring in those moments? Was it Creativity, Compassion, or perhaps Independence? Behind each meaningful moment in your life is an activated Core Value. But what are yours?
Identifying your four Core Values may seem daunting, but our mission at Seity Health is to make this process one worth embracing. Our Core Value Assessment allows you to resonate with the Core Values that make you YOU. If you haven’t yet, take the assessment to discover yours.
Putting Core Values into action
Once you’ve identified your Core Values, the next step is to actively integrate them into your daily life. This process, known as Core Value activation, involves making conscious choices that align with your values. Here’s how you can start:
Set Intentions: Each morning, set an intention to live by one of your Core Values that day. For instance, if Kindness is a Core Value, you might decide to perform a random act of kindness.
Reflect Regularly: Take time to reflect on your actions and decisions. Ask yourself if they align with your Core Values. If not, consider what changes you can make to better align with what matters most to you.
Seek Out Opportunities: Look for opportunities to express your Core Values in different areas of your life—whether it’s in your relationships, your studies, or your career.
Understanding and embracing your Core Values is a powerful way to navigate the complexities of young adulthood. By making choices that align with your true self, you not only improve your wellbeing but also set the stage for a more meaningful and authentic life journey. As you embark on this journey, remember that your Core Values are the values that inspire you and give you meaning and purpose. So, take the time to discover them, and let them guide you toward a fulfilling future.
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