Why you need to define your values
They (should) determine your priorities, and, deep down, they're probably the measures you use to tell if your life is turning out the way you want it to.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
- Identify the times when you were happiest.Â
- Identify the times when you were most proud.Â
- Identify the times when you were most fulfilled and satisfied.Â
- Determine your top values, based on your experiences of happiness, pride, and fulfillment.Â
Prioritize your top values.
Reaffirm your values.Â
RELATED IDEAS
Your personal values aren't set in stone. While some of your core values will probably stay the same throughout your life, others may change as your life circumstances change or simply as you get older and start to have a different view of what’s important.
It’s worth checking in yearly to see if your values have changed.
Assess how well you’re honoring each value by scoring each one on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 = optimally living the value).
- What’s your level of satisfaction with each value?
- Record your score for each.Â
- Date the top of the column. Repeat this exercise once a month or quarter to assess your progress.
- If you score below 7 in a particular value, what changes do you need to make?Â
- What has to happen for you to further honor this value?
- Choose your top 6-8 values from a wide-ranging list of values.
Think of three to six people you most admire or love. Consider why they are so important to you.Â
See a career counsellor as they are able to help match their clients to a compatible career area.
- Use an online values inventory.Â
- Observe yourself and learn. If you experience a lot of dissatisfaction with your choices, you may not be living up to your values or you may need to re-evaluate what is most important to you.
- Focus on the bitter and the sweet in your life. These moments could direct you to what you care about most.