In the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, decisions can often feel overwhelming. Research indicates that a significant portion of North Americans experience daily feelings of stress and overwhelm. Whether it’s navigating new opportunities in our personal lives or tackling challenges at work, knowing your core values can make all the difference. These values are the foundation of who you are, and understanding them is essential for making decisions that align with your true self and long-term goals.

When I first discovered the power of defining my own core values, they became an invaluable tool for ensuring that my decisions were aligned with both my well-being and the integrity of my success. Since then, I’ve had the joy of guiding dozens of clients through this process, witnessing incredible transformations, and hearing stories of increased happiness, progress and purpose in their daily lives.

Our core values guide our thoughts, actions, and choices, often without us realizing it. They are the internal compass that helps us stay true to ourselves, especially when faced with difficult decisions. In both our personal and professional lives, aligning our choices with these values brings clarity, peace of mind, and a deep sense of fulfillment. When we’re in tune with our values, we’re more likely to feel confident in the direction we’re heading—whether it's taking on a new project, shifting careers, or navigating daily work challenges.

In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to meet external expectations or please others can easily push us off course. But when we are clear about our core values, we can filter out distractions and make decisions that feel authentic. It’s not about meeting societal norms or fulfilling others’ desires—it’s about staying connected to what truly matters to us, even when considering career growth.

The truth is, your values are not only essential for personal well-being—they are also key to professional and relational success. A career built on the foundation of your core values is one that aligns with your authentic self, leading to greater satisfaction and a more meaningful impact with others.

I invite you to follow the simple steps below and begin harnessing the empowering process of working with your core values. This is a streamlined version of how I guide my clients in defining their values, and it’s the perfect starting point to get your journey rolling!

5 Simple Steps to Discover Your Core Values:

To start connecting with your core values, here’s a simple, five-step exercise to help you discover and align them with your career and daily life:

1. Reflect on Fulfilled Moments
Think back to times when you felt truly proud, content, or fulfilled. These can be moments in your career or personal life. What were you doing, and what about the situation made you feel so good? The activities, achievements, or environments that brought you joy often highlight your core values in action.

2. Identify Your Role Models
Who do you admire most? These could be figures from your professional life, mentors, or even public figures. What traits do they possess that inspire you? Whether it’s their creativity, resilience, or integrity, these admired qualities often reflect the values you prioritize in your own life and work.

3. Write Down Your Values
Start jotting down any words or concepts that resonate with you. This could be qualities like honesty, creativity, empathy, growth, or balance. Don’t rush this step—write as many values as come to mind without overthinking it. The goal is to uncover what’s most important to you, not to filter yourself just yet.

4. Narrow It Down to 3-5 Core Values
From your list, pick the 3-5 values that feel the most aligned with who you are at your core. These should be values that resonate deeply, shaping how you approach your career, relationships, and daily life. Keep it simple—less is often more when it comes to staying focused on your true priorities.

5. Align Your Daily Decisions with Your Values
Now that you’ve identified your core values, take time each day to reflect on how you can honor them. Ask yourself: “How can I bring these values into my work today?” Whether it’s taking on a project that excites you, setting boundaries that preserve your energy, or approaching tasks with a mindset of innovation or collaboration—using your values as a daily guide will help you make more intentional, aligned decisions.

When you lead your life, career and relationships with a clear understanding of your values, you’ll find greater alignment, less stress, and more fulfillment. It’s about making decisions that reflect who you truly are, not just what others expect from you. Start today by connecting with your core values and see how they can guide you to success, both professionally and personally.

Much warmth,

Sarah

If this blog has inspired you, or if you have any questions and would like more support, I would be honoured to connect with you:

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