Discovering Your Core Values to Build Confidence and Strengthen Your Sense of Self
- Shannan Marano
- Aug 14
- 4 min read
Understanding your personal values is more than just a self-reflective exercise; it's an empowering journey that can significantly change your life. By identifying and understanding your core values, you create a strong foundation for becoming the person you aspire to be. This newsletter will walk you through the process of discovering your core values, helping you build confidence and strengthen your sense of self.
So make a cuppa, grab your notebook, and let's do this together.
What Are Personal Values?
Personal values are the principles that guide your actions and decisions. They are your beliefs and ideals that are essential to who you are, shaping your identity and influencing how you interact with the world. For example, values can include honesty, compassion, and creativity. Recognizing your values allows you to align your actions with what's genuinely important to you, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Why Identifying Your Values Matters
Identifying your values is essential for several significant reasons. First, it provides clarity about what you want in life. Knowing your values helps you make decisions that resonate with your true self, shielding you from external pressures and societal expectations.
Second, understanding your values enhances your confidence. When your actions align with your values, you feel authentic and empowered. This alignment fosters a strong sense of self-assurance, enabling you to face challenges with greater resilience.
Steps to Identify Your Core Values
Reflect on Your Life Experiences
Start by reflecting on key moments in your life. Recall times when you felt genuinely happy, fulfilled, or proud. For instance, perhaps you felt proud when standing up for a friend, signifying the value of loyalty. On the other hand, think about times when you felt let down or irritated. What values may have been compromised in those situations? This reflective exercise is a critical step in uncovering what genuinely matters to you.
Create a Values List
After your reflections, create a list of potential values. Or, you can check out this list I've created to help you get started. Aim for around 5-10 values to begin with.
Prioritize Your Values
With your list in hand, it’s time to prioritize. Which values are non-negotiable for you? Narrow it down to your top five core values. This priority list will focus your efforts on what truly matters in your life, making your decision-making process clearer.
Describing Your Values
Once you've pinpointed your core values, it's crucial to describe each one. What does each value mean to you? How does it show up in your life? For example, if you list "integrity" as a core value, you might define it as "being honest and transparent in all my interactions." Then outline why this value is important to you. How does it help you guide your decisions and direct you to be your best self. This descriptive practice of what and why not only helps with internalization but also enhances your understanding of how your values influence your everyday behaviour.
Understanding the Impact of Your Values
Recognizing how your values influence your life is vital for personal growth. Reflect on how your values shape your relationships, career choices, and overall happiness. Are there areas in your life where you feel misaligned with your values? Identifying these gaps can motivate you to make necessary changes and lead a more authentic existence.
Living in Alignment with Your Values
Now that you understand your core values, it’s time to put them into action. Here are practical steps to help you align your life with your values.
Set Goals Based on Your Values
Establish personal and professional goals that mirror your core values. Suppose "growth" is one of your values; set goals that challenge you to learn new skills, like enrolling in a workshop or taking up a new hobby. Aligning your goals with your values helps you stay motivated and reinforces your identity.
Make Conscious Choices
Every day presents choices that can either align with your values or detract from them. Practice making conscious choices that reflect your values. This might involve declining opportunities that do not align with your beliefs or seeking experiences that resonate with your core principles.
Reflect at the end of each day or week on how your actions, behaviours and attitudes aligned with your values. Did you act in a way that is living in alignment with these? Or would you do things differently? This continuous self-reflective practice will become second nature over time, ensuring you are building an intentional life aligned with what is most important to you.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Discovering your core values is a continuous journey. As you grow, your values may evolve. It's essential to regularly revisit and reflect on them, ensuring they still resonate with your true self. This ongoing practice keeps you connected to who you are, helping you adapt to life’s changes comfortably.
Embracing Self-Discovery
Identifying, describing, and understanding your personal values is a powerful step toward building confidence and strengthening your identity. By reflecting on your experiences, prioritizing your values, and living in alignment with them, you can create a life that truly represents who you are.
Embrace this journey of self-discovery, and allow your core values to guide you toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.
If you're ready to discover more about yourself and make intentional choices that align with the person you want to be, book your Lavender Sky Counselling session now, and let's work together on understanding and discovering your best self.
Start with a free consult, or go right ahead and book your session with Shannan today:
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