What Are Values?
How to Discover Your Core Values

"Why did I make that choice?" "What do I really want?"—Have you ever asked yourself these questions?

Behind our daily choices and actions, both conscious and unconscious, our "values" are always at work. Understanding your values is the first step to living an authentic life.

What Are Values?

Values are the beliefs and standards that define what you consider important in life—what you prioritize and treasure most deeply.

For some people, "freedom" might be most important. For others, "family" takes priority above all else. Still others might place high value on "growth" or "challenge."

There's no right or wrong when it comes to values. They're shaped by your personal experiences, upbringing, and cultural background—they're uniquely yours.

Values vs. Goals: What's the Difference?

Values and goals are often confused, but they're actually different things.

• Goals: Specific, achievable endpoints (e.g., "Earn $100,000 per year")
• Values: Life-guiding principles (e.g., "Financial security is important to me")

Goals have an endpoint—once achieved, they're done. Values, however, are ongoing pursuits throughout life. Goals tell us "what" to achieve; values tell us "why" we want to achieve it.

"Living a values-based life is like sailing with a compass. Destinations may change, but the direction you're heading remains clear."—Steven Hayes, psychologist and founder of ACT

Why Knowing Your Values Matters

1. Easier Decision-Making

When your values are clear, you spend less time agonizing over choices. Simply asking "Does this align with my values?" often reveals the answer. Major life decisions—career changes, marriage, relocations—become easier to navigate with values as your guide.

2. Greater Satisfaction and Happiness

Research shows that people living in alignment with their values report higher life satisfaction than those who don't. When we invest our time and energy in what truly matters to us, we experience fulfillment.

3. Reduced Stress

When our values and actions don't align, we feel a sense of "something's off." This misalignment can cause stress. Clarifying your values and living accordingly reduces inner conflict.

4. Better Relationships

Understanding your own values helps you respect others' values too. You begin to see that "different values" are simply "differences"—not "wrongness."

5 Ways to Discover Your Values

Method 1: Reflect on Life's Turning Points

Think of three of the most important decisions in your life. Why did you make those choices? What did you prioritize? Your values are hidden there.

Questions to consider:

• What decision in your life are you most proud of?
• What did you value when making that decision?
• If faced with the same situation again, would you make the same choice?

Method 2: Analyze Your Anger and Discomfort

When you feel strong anger or discomfort, it might be a sign that your values are being violated. Analyzing what triggers your anger can reveal what you truly care about.

Questions to consider:

• What recently made you feel strongly angry?
• What do you find absolutely unacceptable?
• What "important things" lie beneath that anger?

Method 3: Study People You Admire

Name three people you respect or admire. What do they have in common? The qualities that attract you often reflect the values you want to embody.

Method 4: Envision Your Ideal Day

If you had unlimited money and time, how would you spend your day? Your ideal day reveals your true values.

Method 5: Choose from a Values List

From the list below, select 10 values that resonate most with you, then narrow it down to 5.

Core Values List: 50 Examples

Here are common values. Which ones resonate with you?

Exercises to Clarify Your Values

Try these exercises to dig deeper into your values.

Exercise 1: Prioritize Your Top 5 Values

Rank the 5 values you selected earlier. Ask yourself: "If these two values conflicted, which would I choose?" This helps establish your hierarchy.

Exercise 2: Translate Values into Actions

For each value, answer these questions:

• What specific actions am I taking when honoring this value?
• When do I feel 100% aligned with this value?
• What small action could I take to live this value more in daily life?

Exercise 3: Create Your Values Statement

Using your top 5 values, write a statement like this:

"I value [X] and [Y], and through [Z], I want to live a life of [outcome]."

Example: "I value growth and contribution, and through continuous learning, I want to live a life that helps others."

Values Can Change

Values aren't fixed forever. They can shift through life experiences. What mattered in your 20s might differ from what matters in your 40s.

We recommend periodically reviewing your values to confirm what matters to "you right now." Consider setting aside time once a year to reflect on your values.

Explore Your Values with Soul Compass

Soul Compass is an app that deepens self-understanding through daily questions. By answering AI-generated personalized prompts, your values naturally become clearer.

"What do I truly care about?" "Why do I feel this way?"—Through daily reflection, why not discover your unique values?

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