Core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles.
That guides our decisions, shapes our behaviors, and defines who we are.
They act as a compass, to navigate our life challenges and align our actions with purpose.
The key is to focus on a select few.
My advice?
Choose no more than five core values that resonate deeply with you.
When everything is a priority, nothing truly stands out. By narrowing your focus, you can bring clarity and intention to your life.
Here is a list of common core values to help you start your journey of self-discovery:
Core Values List
- Authenticity: Staying true to yourself, no matter the circumstances.
- Achievement: Striving for excellence and setting measurable goals.
- Adventure: Embracing new experiences and taking risks.
- Authority: Seeking influence and leadership in your domain.
- Autonomy: Valuing independence and self-reliance.
- Balance: Maintaining harmony between work, relationships, and personal growth.
- Beauty: Appreciating aesthetics, art, and the finer details of life.
- Boldness: Facing challenges with courage and confidence.
- Compassion: Demonstrating kindness and empathy toward others.
- Challenge: Thriving in the face of obstacles and adversity.
- Citizenship: Contributing to society and promoting the common good.
- Community: Building meaningful connections and fostering belonging.
- Competency: Striving for mastery and skill in your pursuits.
- Contribution: Making a positive impact on the world around you.
- Creativity: Thinking outside the box and expressing yourself uniquely.
- Curiosity: Seeking knowledge and exploring the unknown.
- Determination: Staying committed and persistent in achieving goals.
- Fairness: Promoting equity and justice in all interactions.
- Faith: Trusting in something greater than yourself.
- Fame: Aspiring for recognition and admiration.
- Friendships: Nurturing deep and meaningful relationships.
- Fun: Embracing joy and finding pleasure in the little things.
- Growth: Pursuing personal and professional development.
- Happiness: Seeking fulfillment and contentment.
- Honesty: Being truthful and transparent in your actions.
- Humor: Finding lightness and laughter in life.
- Influence: Inspiring and guiding others toward positive change.
- Inner Harmony: Cultivating inner peace and balance.
- Justice: Advocating for fairness and righteousness.
- Kindness: Choosing generosity and compassion.
- Knowledge: Valuing learning and intellectual growth.
- Leadership: Guiding and inspiring others to achieve greatness.
- Learning: Embracing a growth mindset and lifelong education.
- Love: Prioritizing deep emotional connections and care.
- Loyalty: Staying committed to people, causes, or beliefs.
- Meaningful Work: Finding purpose in your professional life.
- Openness: Being receptive to new ideas and perspectives.
- Optimism: Looking at the brighter side of life.
- Peace: Prioritizing calmness and tranquility.
- Pleasure: Enjoying life’s comforts and indulgences.
- Poise: Maintaining composure and grace under pressure.
- Popularity: Seeking social acceptance and belonging.
- Recognition: Being appreciated for your efforts and contributions.
- Religion: Grounding your life in spiritual beliefs and practices.
- Reputation: Valuing the perception others have of you.
- Respect: Treating others with dignity and honor.
- Responsibility: Taking ownership of your actions and their consequences.
- Security: Ensuring stability and safety in your life.
- Self-Respect: Valuing your worth and maintaining your integrity.
- Service: Helping others and contributing to society.
- Spirituality: Exploring your inner self and connection to the universe.
- Stability: Creating a solid foundation in life.
- Success: Achieving your goals and fulfilling your aspirations.
- Status: Pursuing recognition and a sense of accomplishment.
- Trustworthiness: Being reliable and dependable.
- Wealth: Building financial security and abundance.
- Wisdom: Applying knowledge and experience to make sound decisions.
How to Use This List
- Reflect: Take time to think about what truly matters to you.
- Prioritize: Select 3–5 values that feel most important.
- Live by Them: Align your decisions and actions with your chosen values.
Remember, your core values are a reflection of your authentic self.
They evolve as you grow, so revisit and refine them periodically.
By living in alignment with your core values, you can create a life that is purposeful, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.