This question keeps coming up for me this week, and I’ve struggled with trying to define my core values.
Core values are the things that are most important to you in life – and they influence the way you act, the choices you make, and the way you spend your time. Here’s a list of the 10 Values that are most important to me at this time in my life.
- Loyalty
- Taking a Stand for What I Believe In
- Creativity
- Integrity
- Courage
- Trust
- Influence Over Other People
- Challenge
- Time/Freedom
- Community
You’ll probably notice that not all of my core values are inherently positive. And that some of them even seem to work in opposition to one another. For instance – I value “Freedom”, and yet I wish to have “Influence Over Other People” – which could potentially be re-framed as “Manipulation” (i.e. taking away the Free Will of others).
There is an interesting Leadership Training Program called True Colors.
True Colors® is a simple model of personality identification for people of all ages that improves communication through recognition of a person’s true character. Utilizing the colors of orange, green, blue and gold to differentiate four basic personality types, True Colors becomes an uncomplicated language for every individual to convey complex ideas very simply.
I’ve actually facilitated this program several times over the years – and what I’ve found is that one of the common motivations of people is to be understood. Nothing can give you a greater kinship with another human being then to feel like they really understand you and accept you for who you are. But to understand another person – you must be able to first identify and acknowledge their core values.
“Seek first to Understand, and then to be Understood.” – Habit #5, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey
So how do you identify your own core values, or the values of those around you? Start by asking yourself the following questions:
- What motivates you? If it’s Money then “Wealth” or “Security” might be among your core values, if you’re motivated by Social concerns then “Community” or “Popularity” would most likely resonate with you, and if you’re motivated by Ideological Concerns then you’ll value “Helping Society” or maybe even “Justice”. For more information on these 3 cateogories of Motivation see Ed Schipul’s Presentation.
- What are you Passionate about? This question is slightly different from the motivation question. Let’s rephrase it another way – “What can you not not do?” – this would be something that you feel so strongly about doing that it’s like breathing. You must do it to survive. What core values do you derive from this Passion? If you love to paint – then maybe one of your core values is “Creativity”, if you love to surf or sky dive them maybe “Adventure” is one of your core values. Examine your passions to find the core values that guide your life.
- Who are you and what do you stand for? Recently I was interviewed for a local publication – and the first question the reporter asked me was “Who or what is Erica O’Grady?” I think it was potentially the hardest question I’ve ever been asked in my life. But it gave me food for thought. In the Temple of Apollo at Delphi are inscribed the words: “Know Thyself”. By extension it is believed that only by truly knowing ourselves can we understand others.
So what are your Core Values?
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Erica OGrady is the CXO of Peanut Butter Media. She is currently HOMELESS while working on a project called Twilight & Tea. Erica is a Writer, Adventurer, Explorer who Still Believes in Santa and Following Your Bliss -- For more information Text ERICAOGRADY to 50500
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Cervantes said “Make it thy business to know thyself, which is the most difficult lesson in the world.” I would agree that we should all make a concerted effort to ask ourselves who we are and what are our core values. However, this can be a very difficult exercise for many. Life moves fast, things change, and outside influences can alter our perspective on life. You can not control everything that happens to you; however, if you truly know your core values, you can always control your reaction to unexpected events. You can be a rock in a choppy sea and survive any storm, but only if you know the foundation on which you stand.
Please excuse my cliches, but this is a great post. I think by learning which values others hold dear, we can learn more about ourselves and therby be best prepared to face all the ups and downs life has to ofer.
Erica, this is a fantastic post. I personally have been thinking a lot about this very subject lately – trying to define my own purpose, values, etc. I think it’s important to know who we are in order to know what path(s) we want to take in life and who we want to be. I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface on defining who/what I want to be… but I think your post gives me a good jumping-off point to refine my thinking. Bravo!!!
Great post Erica! Identifying what is truly important to us greatly facilitates the important-decision-making process. Our decisions become a true reflection of who we are when we know and understand our core values. There is less doubt and frustration and confidence ensues.