How To Find Your Core Values
Wouldn’t you like to live a life that is a reflection of what matters to you? Every decision you make, the people whom surrounds you, the things you eat, where you go, etc. All this may seem like a lot, but it’s just intentional living. Living intentionally is about knowing what matters to you. Core values is a way to clarify that!
Core values are a set of principles, characteristics, traits, etc, that are a foundation of who you are and what you build your life around. They are there as a compass to engulf you in directional decisions that will lead you towards the life you want to live.
What Are Core Values?
Core values are the guiding principles, traits, or characteristics that form the foundation of who you are. Think of them as your personal compass. They help you make choices that move you closer to the life you want to live.
When you value honesty, for example, you naturally seek it in others and in your own actions. But if you’re unsure what truly matters to you, living intentionally can feel like trying to navigate without a map.
Every decision you make, from the big life choices to everyday habits, is connected to your values. If you value health, you might prioritize mindful eating, regular movement, and restful sleep.
Examples of Core Values:
- Loyalty
- Integrity
- Creativity
- Growth
- Connection
Why Core Values Matter for Intentional Living
Your core values are like your inner compass. They quietly point you in the right direction, even when life gets noisy or confusing.
When you know what truly matters to you, every choice starts to feel clearer, more grounded, and more you.
Values Guide Your Purpose
Think of your values as the “why” behind everything you do.
They help you define what success and happiness actually mean to you, not what the world says they should look like.
Once you understand your values, your purpose begins to take shape naturally. It’s like finding the thread that ties all your passions, goals, and decisions together.
Core Values Help You Set Boundaries
When you’re clear on your core values, saying no gets easier. Not because you’ve become a grumpy hermit, but because you know what’s worth your time and energy.
Boundaries stop feeling like walls and start feeling like self-respect. You protect what matters most so you can show up fully for the things and people that align with your values.
They Help Align Your Habits and Goals with Your Beliefs
Living intentionally means your daily habits and long-term goals actually match what you believe in.
If one of your core values is growth, maybe that means setting aside time each week to learn something new. If it’s connection, maybe it’s prioritizing dinner with friends instead of endless scrolling.
When your actions line up with your values, life feels more fulfilling, and like everything is finally clicking into place.
Saying No Will Become Easier
It’s easy to say yes to every request or obligation when you haven’t set boundaries around what matters to you.
But when you know your core values, saying no becomes easier. Not because you’ve become a grinch, but because you’re protecting your time and energy.
Boundaries become less like walls and more like gates that protect what’s important.
Reflect: What is one small thing you can add to your daily schedule that is important to you? What is one boundary you can set to protect it?
How to Identify Your Core Values
Now that you know why core values matter, let’s figure out what yours actually are.
This part is all about reflection and curiosity. You’re not trying to get the “right” answers; you’re exploring what truly lights you up.
Ask Yourself a Few Reflection Questions
Take a few quiet minutes (or grab your favorite drink and a notebook) and reflect on questions like:
- What do you admire in others?
- What makes you feel fulfilled or proud?
- When do you feel most like yourself?
- What frustrates you or feels “off” in your life right now? (These moments often reveal values being ignored.)
Write down whatever comes up, and don’t overthink it.
A Quick 3-Step Activity to Help You Get Clear on What Matters
Now let’s put everything together and apply what you’ve learned.
Step 1: Brain Dump
- List 10–15 qualities, feelings, or principles that matter to you.
- Think of words like honesty, creativity, adventure, peace, or connection.
Step 2: Narrow It Down
- Review your list and circle the five that feel most you.
- Ask yourself: Which ones would I never want to live without?
Step 3: Rank and Reflect
- Are your habits and choices in tune with them? Where could you make a small shift?
- Put your top five in order of importance.
- Reflect on how these values show up in your daily life.
Pro tip: Your core values aren’t a to-do list—they’re a reflection of who you already are. Once you name them, you’ll start noticing how they naturally guide your decisions.
How to Live by Your Core Values Every Day
Your daily life is a reflection of what truly matters to you. Now that you know or have an idea of what matters to you, you can begin to align your schedule with your core values. When you plan your days around your values, you begin to live with intention and ease.
Living intentionally means aligning your daily life with what truly matters to you. Once you know your core values, you can design your schedule and habits around them.
For example:
- If connection matters, prioritize meaningful conversations with loved ones.
- If learning is a core value, dedicate time each day to explore new ideas.
Final Thoughts
Your core values are the cornerstone of your life.
They are the guiding force behind many of your decisions and influence how you feel when you honor them, or when you don’t.
There are many ways to protect your time, energy, and the values that make your life meaningful. But first, you have to define them.
What are three to five of your core values that you can start protecting today?
For more assistance with finding your core values, check out this post: 15 Powerful Personal Values Examples to Clarify What Matters Most, and download the worksheet for further exploration.
