Discover Your Core Values: The Complete Guide

"What do I really care about in life?"

Career choices, relationships, how you spend your time — we make countless decisions every day. The foundation of all these choices is our values.

People with clear values experience less confusion and greater fulfillment. Those with unclear values often feel pulled by others' expectations and wonder why they feel unsatisfied despite having everything they "should" want.

This guide covers what values are, how to discover yours, and how to apply them to everyday life.

1. What Are Values?

Values are the principles and standards that guide what you consider important, what you prioritize, and how you make decisions.

Examples include:

• "Family time is my highest priority"
• "Continuous growth gives my life meaning"
• "Freedom is more important than security"
• "I find joy in helping others"

These are all examples of values. There's no right or wrong — everyone's values are different, and that's what makes us unique.

"Values are your life's compass. When you're lost, they show you which direction to take."

For a deeper dive into what values are, see What Are Values? How to Discover Your Core Values.

Values vs. Goals

Values and goals may seem similar but serve different purposes:

• Goals: Endpoints you achieve (e.g., "Earn $100,000/year")
• Values: Ongoing directions (e.g., "Financial security matters to me")

When you achieve a goal, you need a new one. Values are principles you carry throughout life.

2. Why Values Matter

Decision-Making Becomes Easier

When your values are clear, choices become simpler. Just ask: "Does this align with my values?" and the answer often becomes obvious.

Greater Fulfillment

Living according to your values creates deep satisfaction. Even during challenges, you feel "this is right for me."

Less Influence from Others

With a strong inner compass, you're less swayed by others' expectations or social pressure. You can naturally think "I am who I am."

Fewer Regrets

Choices made from your values feel right even when outcomes aren't perfect. You chose authentically, and that brings peace.

3. How to Discover Your Values

Values aren't found through thinking alone. Try these approaches:

Method 1: Reflect on Emotional Moments

Strong emotions reveal hidden values.

• When did you recently feel genuine joy? What made it special?
• When did you feel frustrated or sad? What was missing or violated?

Method 2: Analyze Your Time and Money

We unconsciously invest in what we value. Review your past month's spending and schedule. What does it reveal about your true priorities?

Method 3: Study People You Admire

The people you admire reflect values you aspire to. Ask yourself: "Why do I admire this person? What qualities draw me to them?"

Method 4: Ask "What If" Questions

• If money weren't a concern, how would you spend your time?
• If you had one year to live, what would you prioritize?
• What would you keep doing even if no one praised you for it?

For more discovery techniques, see How to Know Your Values.

4. Values List for Discovery

If articulating values feels difficult, choosing from a list can help.

Common Values Examples

• Growth: Constantly learning and evolving
• Freedom: Making your own choices, being unconstrained
• Connection: Deep relationships and community
• Creativity: Bringing new things into existence
• Security: Stable, predictable environment
• Contribution: Making a difference for others
• Integrity: Being honest and consistent
• Health: Physical and mental well-being

For a comprehensive list, see 100 Core Values List: Find What Matters Most. Select 10 that resonate, then narrow to 5, then 3. These are your core values.

5. Creating a Values Map

A values map is a visual tool for organizing and understanding your values.

How to Create One

1. Select 10 values that feel important
2. Consider relationships between them (similar, complementary, or in tension)
3. Prioritize them (which matter most?)
4. Visualize on paper or a digital tool

For detailed instructions, see Values Map: Visualize Your Life Compass.

6. Finding What Truly Matters

Even after identifying values, you might wonder "Are these really mine?"

Distinguish "Should" from "Want"

"Should" values may come from society or others. Ask: "Do I genuinely want this, or am I trying to meet expectations?"

Check Alignment with Behavior

If you claim "family is most important" but work constantly, there may be a gap between stated and actual values.

For more on finding authentic priorities, see How to Find What Truly Matters.

7. Living by Your Values

Knowing your values is just the beginning. Integrating them into daily life is what matters.

Bring Values to Daily Decisions

Build a habit of asking: "Does this choice align with my values?"

Reduce Values-Violating Activities

Activities that conflict with values drain you over time, even if they offer short-term benefits.

Review Periodically

Values can shift with life experiences. Schedule annual reviews to ensure your stated values still reflect who you are.

8. Go Deeper

Values impact every area of life — relationships, career, and personal growth.