Over the past 16 sixteen years, I’ve learned one thing for sure. And that’s that you can’t build a good life if you don’t know what you stand for. And that’s where your core values come in.
Your core values are more than pretty words you stick on a vision board. They’re the anchor that keeps you from drifting too far when life gets chaotic. And the engine that pushes you forward when you need it most.
I didn’t always think about core values. But once I sat down and asked myself…
What do I actually believe in?,
… it was as if someone handed me a flashlight in a dark room.
Turns out that my values were already running the show. But giving them names made them ten times more powerful.
So, what are core values, really? They’re your non-negotiables. The principles you use to decide what deserves your time, energy, money, and attention.
Your core values are not trends. They’re not goals. Nor are they fancy slogans.
They’re the backbone of your personal philosophy.
Take me, for example. My top values are Integrity, Money, Resilience, Enthusiasm, and Rebellion. Kind of an odd mix, but that’s the point.
Your core values should feel personal.
For me, integrity means I’m in the right place, doing the right thing, at the right time. No excuses.
Money reminds me to treat my income with respect and spend wisely. While resilience is my inner pep talk that says, Hey, you’ve got this! Keep moving.
My enthusiasm makes everything I do feel alive. And my rebellion? That’s the part of me that always wants to flip the script and ask, How can this be better? Faster? Or more fun?
Once you know and understand your values, you start to see your choices differently.
Let’s say you value Freedom. But if you’ve boxed yourself into a rigid routine, you’ll feel that. Or if you crave Independence but let people micromanage you, you’ll feel that friction every day.
Knowing your values doesn’t magically fix everything. But it sure makes it easier to steer your life in the right direction.
If you’re wondering how to figure out your own, here’s my take:
Start by paying attention to certain things about yourself.
Notice when you feel proud. What were you doing that felt so right? Also notice what fires you up, and what drives you nuts.
And look at the people you admire. What do they stand for that you’d like more of in your own life?
Then, get specific.
Don’t just say “Integrity”; define it. What does it look like on a random Tuesday? For me, it’s showing up early for a meeting, being prepared, and doing what I said I’d do.
Don’t just say “Resilience”; spell it out. Mine means I remember I’ve got the knowledge and grit to bounce back, no matter how messy things get.
The clearer you get, the easier it is to check yourself when you’re off track.
And here’s the part that many people skip: use them.
Your core values aren’t magic words you put in a drawer. They’re daily reminders to act on what you believe.
If Enthusiasm is a value of yours, show up with energy. If Rebellion is in your DNA, question the rules and rewrite them when they don’t serve you.
For me, my core values are the blueprint for how I want to show up in the world. They shape how I work, how I lead, how I spend, and how I handle setbacks.
They’re how I keep my freedom, creativity, and independence alive, even when life wants to box me in.
So now I’m curious: what are your core values? How did you figure them out? Or are you still trying to name them?
I’d love to hear your take. Drop a comment or send me a message. I love swapping ideas with people who are serious about living life on their own terms.
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