Core Values Clarification Exercise Core values, deeply rooted within us since birth, act as guiding stars, shaping our lives' trajectory. While we may innately understand what's harmonious for our lives, it's essential to consciously recognize and nurture these values to flourish. Living authentically and reflecting upon our past helps us connect deeper with these principles. How we allocate our time and money reveals these priorities, with the ultimate aim being 'Eudaimonia', where internal values seamlessly manifest in the external world. Without clarity in our core values, we risk living by someone else's beliefs, leading to a life that may feel unfulfilling. The Core Values Sort Method Exercise: 1. Highlight: Using a green highlighter, review the list of 100 core values words. Highlight 25 words that resonate most with you. 2. Categorize: On a fresh sheet of paper, write the highlighted words under three separate columns: "Very Important", "Important", and "Least Important". Trust your instincts. 3. Narrow Down: From the "Very Important" column, distill your selection further to identify your top 3-5 core values. These are the values that most deeply resonate with your essence and will guide your life's decisions. Common Questions: • • Q. Do I pick what values I’m actually living out today? Or do I pick the values I want to be living out? o A. Core values are your north star – pick the values that you believe if you lived them out fully today and going forth, would lead you to ideal destination. This isn’t about guilt or shame, its about starting where you are today, and using core values to get you where you want to be tomorrow, next month, next year, next 5 years years, next decade. Q. How do I get it down to a list of 3-5 words when there are so many more values I want to be part of my life? o A. There can be a difference between the core values and the execution of a core value. A common example is people chose LOVE as a core value, and then they might also choose charity as a core value. Ask your self can you have one without the other in your life? Can you be truly charitable without being loving? It could be the case that LOVE is the core value, but charity is the execution of that core value. Core values tend to NOT change over time, as they are innate. What DOES change over time is how the core values are executed in real life. Remember, this exercise is a tool to help you connect with your authentic self. Revisit regularly to ensure alignment as life's experiences may prompt evolution in your core values. Instructions – Use a green highlighter and highlight 25 core values that stand out to you. Then separate those core values into the three columns on the following page. Core Values Authenticity Commitment Dedication Flexibility Honesty Joy Loyalty Patience Trustworthiness Wisdom Bravery Discipline Growth Justice Optimism Reliability Understanding Appreciation Dependability Honesty Love Passion Teamwork Wit Consistency Friendship Loyalty Positivity Tenacity Zeal Curiosity Authenticity Commitment Dedication Flexibility Honesty Joy Loyalty Patience Trustworthiness Wisdom Bravery Discipline Growth Justice Core Values Balance Compassion Determination Generosity Humility Kindness Mindfulness Respect Unity Adaptability Challenge Empathy Hope Listening Perseverance Simplicity Accountability Benevolence Education Imagination Mindset Reflection Truth Altruism Dignity Harmony Mercy Resilience Unity Acceptance Devotion Balance Compassion Determination Generosity Humility Kindness Mindfulness Respect Unity Adaptability Challenge Empathy Hope Listening Core Values Boldness Confidence Excellence Gratitude Innovation Leadership Openness Service Vision Ambition Collaboration Fairness Integrity Motivation Quality Transparency Adventure Community Freedom Knowledge Nobility Spirituality Vibrancy Awareness Efficiency Inclusivity Nurturing Strength Vitality Boldness Empowerment Boldness Confidence Excellence Gratitude Innovation Leadership Openness Service Vision Ambition Collaboration Fairness Integrity Motivation Instructions: Take the 25 core values from the previous page and sort them into the table below. The goal is to identify your 3-5 core values. This can be a difficult task, if you get frustrated that’s ok, it’s a sign that you are doing the real work. Very Important Important Least Important Clarification Questions 1. What is alarming or comforting about these core values to me in my present state? 2. What would my wife/significant other think about my core values? 3. What would my mother/father/person who raised me think about my core values? 4. How well have my resources been used in the past 90 days to support these core values? 5. When was the last difficult decision made where I was mindful of these core values?
