Step 1 to uncover ​your 5 core values

Core values are, quite simply, what matters ​most to you, today.


They may change through your life, as your ​external resources or internal needs shift.


Look for words in the list below that:

  • guide you in important decisions
  • you would fight for or defend
  • make you say should or shouldn’t


Set aside at least 30 minutes of quiet time.

You may need longer. It may help to pause and come back

As you read each value on the following pages, sort them into

a ‘keep’ and a ‘discard’ pile.


It may be hard to let some go, as many may feel important to you. Try sorting them into categories ​and then identify one word serves as an umbrella and contains the others.


PROMPT QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU:

o Would I make a major life decision out of this value?

o Would I get into conflict or having judgmental thoughts because of it?

o Do I sometimes think, feel or say that others ‘should’ have this value, too?

o Would I be comfortable in a setting (work, family) where this value wasn’t appreciated or valued?


Important: core values are different from your aspirational values, that you’d like to have more of in ​your life. Instead, search for the ones that truly guide your thoughts, feelings and actions today.



Integrity



Harmony



Open communication



Caring



Cooperation



Optimism



Joyfulness



Open-mindedness



Curiosity



Courage



People contact



Honesty



Nurturing



Organized



Freedom



Quality



Respect



Trust



Individuality



Professionalism



Generosity



Patience



Focus



Helping

Excitement



Hope



Dedication



Truth



Positivity



Faith



Public contact



Loyalty


Graciousness



Structure



Planning



Fun



Efficiency



Politeness



Flexibility



Competition


Comfortable income



Virtuosity



Balance



Belief



Competition



Humour



Free thinking



Diversity

Growth



Choice



Equality



Relaxed pace



Security



Social activism



Commitment



Responsibility

Honour



Gentleness



Faithfulness



Contributing



Justice



Enthusiasm



Achievement



Authenticity

Accuracy



Acceptance



Belonging



Predictability



Peace



Performance



Ambition



Influence

Pressure



Practicality



Challenging



Initiating



Detail-oriented



Support



Discipline



Service


Determination



Perseverance



Tolerance



Casual



High earnings



Excellence



Wisdom



Simplicity


Collaboration



Leading



Heritage



Abundance



Control



Power



Leading edge



Mastery

Stability



Recognition



Rationality



Independence



Knowledge



Accountability



Time freedom



Appreciation

Imagination



Having an impact



Location



Status



Teamwork



Tradition



Obedience



Carefulness

Information



Risk



Quiet



Legacy



Skepticism



Critical thought



Caution



Pragmatism

Fairness



Realistic



Cultural identity



Autonomy



Originality


Change



Privacy



Calmness



Accomplishment



Benevolence

Surroundings



Action-oriented



Meaning



Community



Creativity

Daring



Citizenship



Intelligence



Variety



Courage


Learning



Adventure



Gratitude



Non-conforming



Action-oriented