Did you know living with intention is key to creating a fulfilling life? A crucial part of that process is understanding and identifying your core values. Knowing what truly matters to you is the foundation for making intentional choices that align with who you are. But how do you uncover your values, and why are they so important? Let'dive in.
What are core values?
Core values are the guiding principles that shape your decisions, behaviours, and overall approach to life. They reflect what you believe is most important, whether it's love, family, freedom, integrity, or personal growth.
Your values are deeply personal and influence everything from your relationships to how you spend your time and how you respond to challenges. Understanding your values helps you make fulfilling, authentic choices, leading to a greater sense of well-being.
Why understanding your values is important
When your actions align with your core values, you feel more connected to yourself and your life. Research in psychology shows that people who live in accordance with their values experience greater happiness, less stress, and more resilience.
5 tips for identifying your values
1. Reflect on moments of fulfilment
Reflect on times in your life when you felt most fulfilled, proud, or at peace. What were you doing? Who were you with? These moments often highlight your deepest values. If you felt most alive while helping others, for example, you may value service, community, or compassion. These experiences can give you clues about your priorities today.
2. Notice what gives you a strong reaction
To build a road map to what matters most in your life, consider what gives you strong emotional reactions, whether positive or negative. Strong emotions often signal values in action. If you feel frustrated when people are dishonest, you may deeply value integrity. If you get energized by spending time with loved ones, it might point to a value of connection.
3. Consider role models
Think about people you admire or have always respected because they often mirror the values you hold dear. What qualities do they possess that you value? Maybe it's their kindness, resilience, or sense of justice.
4. Reflect on what you enjoy most
To provide clues to your values, take note of the activities or hobbies that have brought you joy throughout your life. For example, if you love volunteering at a local shelter, it might suggest that you value compassion, service, or social justice. What you naturally gravitate towards can reveal the values that drive you.
5. Ask yourself key questions
To clarify your values, ask yourself reflective questions like:
- What do I want my legacy to be?
- What makes me feel proud of who I am?
- When do I feel at peace with myself and my life?
- What would I stand up for, no matter what?
These questions invite deeper introspection and can uncover the beliefs and principles guiding your choices.
Putting it all together
Write down the values that resonate most with you. Narrow them down to a handful of key values — family, honesty, creativity, kindness, or independence, for example.
Next, check if your daily life reflects these values. If not, it might be time to make changes that better align your actions with what truly matters.
Identifying your core values is a key step in living intentionally and making decisions that feel more fulfilling.
At Amica Senior Lifestyles, we tailor our life-enrichment programs to align with our residents personal values and goals. Our 32 beautifully designed seniors residences offer engaging activities, deliciously fresh culinary options and discerning care. Together, we create meaningful moments all year.
Book a Tour to experience living on your own terms in an elegant Amica residence.