Getting to the CORE of your VALUES: Discovering your Core Values
Last week I mentioned some personal goals for the year. Over the next few weeks I would like you to consider a process that many have found beneficial in structuring lives, purpose and goals. So, with your permission, we’ll start the process. Here we go. While writing this blog, I have written about values a few times. So here is the exercise.
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Google the phrase “Personal values List.” You will find numerous sites listing values. One of the sites offers some 418 personal values. One site, www.akpsi.org, has a more generic list with some 60+ values. So here is what I would suggest, take the list that rings your bell and write each one down on a 3×5 card. I would choose the one with 60 as I am somewhat lazy! Now, on 5 ‘3×5” cards, write one of the following terms on a card: “Never valued,” “ Seldom valued,” “ Sometimes valued,” “ Often valued,” and “Always valued.”
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Then sort out the values that you have put on 3×5’s based on those 5 cards. Now, take the ones in the “Often” and “Always” valued sort and prioritize them, putting the most valued at the top and the least at the bottom. At the end of the day, you will have listed and prioritized the values that are most important to you. Probably a good exercise. These are the values that are most important to you and hopefully the things that others recognize in you.
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Action Time.
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When you have come up with the top 10 to 15 values, make a list of them. Now here comes the hard part. Mentally go through the list of good friends and relatives. The goal is to ask them if they feel these values represent you well and which ones rise up to the top as seen through their eyes. When they offer their opinions, just say, “That is really interesting” and “Thank you for your input.” No need for discussion here. The goal is to refine the list based on your personal judgment and the judgment of others around you. Multiple opinions from quality people provide input, additional insight and refinement. Take their thoughts into consideration. Now, do your best to come up with your top 5 to 10 values based on this process. I would look forward to hearing from you and the results you come up with.
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Life Prep Coach 