You've probably heard the saying, "know thyself." But what does that mean, exactly? And how can you go about doing it?
Living your life & going about your day without knowing your personal core values is like living your life without knowing your name, your address, your birthdate.
Would you be able to survive for long if that was the case?
I can assure you that you couldn't.
But somehow not knowing what you stand for, what is most valuable to you, what is true for you and what you cannot live without in terms of principles, ideas and values is something most people are ok with.
Your core values are the foundation of your true self. They reflect what's most important to you, and act as a compass to help you make decisions that align with your personal beliefs and priorities.
Self-knowledge is a lifelong process that starts with understanding your core values. These are the basic principles that guide your decisions and actions, both big and small. They are the foundation of who you are and what you stand for.
If you want to know yourself on a deeper level, start by identifying your core values. In this article, we'll talk about what core values are, why they're important, and how to identify them for yourself.
What Are Core Values and Why Are They Important?
Your core values are the foundation of your identity. They reflect what's most important to you, and act as a compass to help you make decisions that align with your personal beliefs and priorities.
When you know your core values, you're better able to stay true to yourself in any situation. You'll also be better equipped to deal with the tough times, because you'll have a strong sense of what's important to you and why.
If you're not sure what your core values are, it's time to start thinking about it. The exercise of identifying your core values can be a powerful journey that leads you to greater self-awareness.
Finding Your Authentic Self Through Self-Inquiry
Take a step back and think about the things that are most important to you.
What were the times in your life that you felt the most vivid emotions, both good and bad? Emotions are always the most powerful indicator for what is true/wanted or untrue/unwanted.
Travel back in time. When did you feel most alive/happiest? What were you doing? What was happening? What made you the saddest/angriest and why?
Look at the most impactful situations and period of your life. Describe what was going on for you and what you wished you had experienced ced instead (if it's a negative experience) or more of (if it's a positive one).
Journal what you find.
When you know what your values are, you're able to better align your actions with who you truly are. You can start to ask yourself tough questions, like "Why am I doing what I'm doing?" and "Do my actions reflect my values?"
That's where self-inquiry comes in. It's the process of exploring who you are on a deep level, and it can be incredibly illuminating. It can help you see past the masks you've been wearing and the stories you've been telling yourself.
When you know your authentic self, you're better able to make choices that are in line with your values. And that's what leads to a happy, fulfilling life.
Core Values as Building Blocks to Understanding Yourself
Think about it: your core values are the foundation of who you are as a person. They dictate how you behave, how you think, and how you interact with the world around you. When you know your core values, you can start to understand why you make the choices you do, and why you react the way you do in certain situations.
Your core values are also a great tool for self- reflection. When things get tough and you're feeling lost, take a moment to reflect on your values. Ask yourself whether your current actions are in line with what's important to you. If they're not, it might be time to reconsider your path.
These values are always evolving and changing as you grow and experience new things, but they provide a strong foundation for who you are as a person. And that's something that never changes.
Choosing Your Core Values Consciously
Having an awareness of what your core values are is essential. It’s important to choose your values consciously, thoughtfully, and mindfully.
You may want to start by taking a look at the list of universal core values, where you can find things like honesty, loyalty, integrity, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness. Or maybe research other cultures and religions to search for any core values that you identify with.
When you narrow it down to the ones that matter most to you, try writing them down on paper or digitally so that you can refer back to them often.
Take some time to think through each value and determine what it means for you. Reflecting on your core values can help give clarity on how you approach life and decisions in general—it’s like having a little road map of what matters most in your life!
Incorporating Your Core Values Into Day-to-Day Life
Now that you’ve identified your core values, it’s time to start putting them into action in your day-to-day life. Every day presents us with countless opportunities to practice living according to our core values. Knowing your core values helps you make decisions that reflect who you are and what's important to you.
For instance, if one of your core values is 'family' then you might prioritize spending time with family over doing something else, such as watching tv or going out with friends. If another one of your core values is 'adventure', then you might make a point to plan a weekend away somewhere new at least once a month.
Think about how these moments add up and how incorporating your core values into day-to-day life can help shape who you are and who you want to become. Living according to our core values gives us the confidence and self-worth we need to pursue our passions without fear of judgment or failure.
Tips for Handling Changes in Core Values
Changes in core values happen for a variety of reasons, and it's important to honor and understand these changes. Firstly, this involves reflecting on why the change has happened and how it reflects your current life stage. This can help you to understand yourself better.
Secondly, keep your core values up-to-date. As life changes and you evolve into a greater version of yourself (if you choose to continuously grow as a person) so do your values (or maybe not and you choose to keep them), so it's important to stay on top of this. Make sure to take time to reflect on your current values, go over them after a while and refine them as needed.
Thirdly, use mindfulness practices to go deeper into understanding yourself and your core values. Regular meditation, journaling and being aware of your emotions (by tapping into your body's cues and sensations) can help you identify new or shifting values that may not be immediately apparent.
Finally, don’t be afraid to follow through with what you find. Having an awareness of our core values can give us the courage we need to make decisions that align with our true selves—even if they appear unconventional or unpopular at first glance!
When it comes to getting to know yourself, start by looking at your core values. What do you stand for, what kind of person do you want to be, and what do you need to do to become that person? Identifying your core values is the first step on the journey to self-discovery and living an authentic life.
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