Personal Values Clarification

Personal Values Clarification (also known as a core values inventory) is a self-discovery exercise to identify what truly matters to you. In simple terms, your values are the principles, qualities, and beliefs that you hold most important in life. They act as your internal compass, guiding your decisions and shaping your sense of purpose. For example, if one of your core values is family, you’ll prioritize time with loved ones; if creativity is the core value, you’ll seek outlets to express yourself.

When you know your core values, you can align your goals and daily actions with them. This alignment often leads to greater fulfillment, motivation, and integrity in what you do. On the other hand, living out of sync with your values can cause stress or a feeling that something’s “off.” You might achieve outward success yet feel unfulfilled if your achievements don’t honor what you find meaningful.

There are no “right” or “wrong” values - one person might value adventure and freedom, while another values stability and community. What matters is discovering which values resonate most with you. Avoid picking values because you think you “should” have them. Personal Values Clarification is about what you truly care about - not what others say is important. For instance, if you genuinely value simplicity and balance, own that, even if others chase flashy goals. Authenticity is key here.

The process of Personal Values Clarification involves looking inward, listing what matters, and narrowing it down to your core values. Set aside some quiet time for this. Grab a notebook or open a document, and let’s get started:

Begin by thinking about the moments and experiences in your life that felt deeply satisfying, meaningful, or “right.” These moments are clues to your values. Consider questions like:

When have I felt happiest or most fulfilled? What was I doing, and why was it meaningful?

Also reflect on times you felt angry or upset - often this happens when an important value was being ignored or violated. Ask yourself:

When have I felt most angry or upset? What was happening, and why did it feel so wrong?

For example, if you felt furious seeing someone bullied, perhaps justice or kindness is a core value for you. Jot down any themes or words that come to mind during this reflection, without judgment. Don’t worry yet about making a “perfect” list - just get your thoughts flowing.

You can also think of role models or people you admire. Ask:

What qualities do my role models embody that I respect or aspire to?

For instance, if you admire someone for their generosity or courage, those qualities might be part of your value system. Another approach is to finish sentences like:

The most important things in life are… I wouldn’t want to live without… In my work, I need to have…

Let your mind freely explore these prompts for hints of your values.

Now, compile a broad list of value words or phrases that resonate with you. You can use the reflections from step 1 and consult the Common Values List provided in this note for inspiration. Read through the list of values and mark any that give you a strong “yes, that matters to me!” feeling.

Don’t overthink it - if a word stands out, include it. At this stage, you might end up with a lot of values (it could be 20, 30, or even more) and that’s perfectly fine. This is your long list of all the things that seem important to you. Remember, this list will be personal. Two people doing this exercise will likely pick very different sets of words, and that’s okay.

Once you have a long list of possibilities, it’s time to home in on the core ones. Not everything can be top priority - the point here is to identify the few values that most deeply define and motivate you.

Review your brainstormed list and start by grouping similar or related values together. For instance, you might have written “honesty”, “integrity”, and “trustworthiness” - these cluster into one theme. You might group “love”, “family”, and “friendship” as relationship-oriented values. Grouping helps you see overlaps and themes.

Next, choose one word from each group that best captures that theme for you (you can keep the other words in that group as supporting ideas). Then, try to eliminate or set aside items that feel less essential. Ask yourself:

If I imagine a fulfilling life or career, which of these values absolutely must be honored?

Another way to compare is to take two values at a time and ask:

If I could satisfy only one of these, which would I choose?

Continue this process of comparison to whittle your list down. Aim to end up with roughly 5 to 10 core values. There’s no exact “right” number, but focusing on a handful helps clarify priorities. This can be challenging - you might feel that ten or more are all important! But remember, identifying your top values doesn’t mean the others don’t matter at all; it just means these few are the most defining for you right now.

Now that you’ve chosen your key values, take a moment to describe what each one really means to you. This personal definition is important, because broad terms like “love” or “freedom” can mean different things to different people. Write a sentence or two about why each value is important and how it manifests for you. For example:

• If you picked freedom, you might define it as “having the ability to make my own choices in life, and the independence to pursue my own path without undue restriction.”
• If one of your core values is compassion, you might define it as “acting with empathy and kindness toward others, and contributing positively to people’s lives.”

By defining values in your own terms, you make them concrete and actionable. Also think about how each value shows up in your life currently - or how you’d like it to show up. You might realize that your daily life isn’t fully honoring some of your values yet. Which leads to the next step.

With your core values identified and defined, take a honest look at your life right now - your routines, your job, your relationships, how you spend your time - and ask:

Am I actually living in accordance with these values?

Then for each of your core values, ask:

How much is this value being fulfilled in my current life?

It’s time for a reality check. You might rate each on a simple scale (for example, 1 to 10) or just use descriptive thoughts. For each value, consider examples of your recent behavior or choices.

• If learning is a core value but you haven’t learned something new in a long time, that value might be under-expressed.
• If family is a top value, are you devoting enough time and energy to family, or is work overtaking it?

Identifying gaps between what you_value and what you’re doing can be eye-opening. Don’t judge yourself harshly - the goal is awareness. We all go off-course sometimes. This step is about pinpointing which important parts of you might need more attention.

For any core value that you feel you aren’t fully living out, brainstorm ways to incorporate it more into your life. You want to adjust your goals, habits, or even your environment to better reflect what matters most. Start with small, concrete actions. For instance:

• If health is a core value and you realize you’ve been neglecting it, an action might be “join a yoga class twice a week” or “set a regular sleep schedule.”
• If adventure is one of your values but life feels monotonous, plan a new experience, like a weekend hike or visiting a new city, to add some adventure to your routine.
• For a value like career growth or achievement, perhaps set a goal to learn a new professional skill or take on a project that excites you.

Make sure to also consider big-picture alignment:

Are there any major changes needed?

If freedom and creativity are your top values but you’re in a rigid job with little room for creativity, you might start exploring career moves that provide more flexibility or creative outlets.

Aligning your career with your core values can dramatically improve your job satisfaction and overall sense of purpose. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight; even gradual shifts count. The key is to use your values as a guide when making decisions. When you face a choice - big or small - ask yourself:

Which option best aligns with my core values?

Over time, this practice of values-based decision-making becomes more natural and ensures that the life you are building genuinely reflects you.

Our values can evolve as we go through different stages of life. It’s a good idea to come back to this exercise from time to time (for example, annually or whenever you face major life changes) and see if anything has shifted. You might find that some values remain constant, while others move up or down in priority. Regular check-ins will keep you aligned and prevent you from drifting off course.

Even simply reading your list of core values each morning or week can serve as a reminder to live by them. Some people like to post their values somewhere visible as daily reinforcement. Do whatever helps you keep these guiding principles front and center. Remember, clarifying your values is not a one-time task - it’s an ongoing practice. Life will throw new decisions and challenges at you, but when you know your core values, you have a reliable reference point to navigate those moments.

Clarifying your values is a powerful starting point - but the real magic happens when you live those values consistently. Here are a few tips on weaving your core values into the fabric of your personal life and career:

Whenever you’re faced with a choice (career path, a project to take on, or even how to spend your weekend) pause and check the options against your core values. Ask:

Which option honors my values more?

For instance, if you value family and balance, and you’re considering a job that requires constant travel away from home, that might be a red flag. Alternatively, if you value adventure and growth, a job offering international travel and new challenges could be a great fit.

Over time, making decisions this way becomes intuitive. You’ll notice you feel more confident in your choices because they’re grounded in what matters most to you.

Take a look at your current goals or the tasks on your plate. Ask yourself:

Do my goals/tasks connect to my core values?

If not, you might need to tweak or reframe them. For example:

• If helping others (service) is a top value and you’re setting personal career goals, you could shape a goal like “volunteer once a month” or “mentor a junior colleague” to fulfill that service value alongside career progress.
• If creativity is a value and you’re stuck in routine work, set a goal to start a creative hobby or find a project at work where you can design, write, or innovate.

When your goals sync up with your values, you’ll likely feel more motivated and find greater meaning in pursuing them. It can also help you say “no” to goals or requests that don’t fit your values, thereby freeing up energy for the ones that do.

In real life, even your core values can sometimes pull you in different directions. When value conflicts arise, use your ranking or intuitive sense of priority to guide you. It can be tough, but remember: you’re aiming for a sustainable balance that reflects what’s truly important. If you consistently find one core value (e.g. family) is being sacrificed for another (e.g. work success), that’s a sign to re-balance.

Remember to communicate with the people around you if needed. Living your values often involves setting boundaries aligned with those values. You may need to protect your family-time from the “career world” or protect your self-development time from the “family world”.

Living your values isn’t only about big decisions; it’s also in the little habits and moments of each day.

• If mindfulness or well-being is a value, perhaps you start each morning with a brief meditation or a walk outdoors.
• If gratitude is a value, you might end the day by noting three things you’re thankful for.
• If you value learning, you could commit to read a few pages of a book each night or take online courses periodically.

These small practices ensure you’re actively engaging with your values regularly, not just thinking of them in the abstract. Over time, these actions compound into a life that feels aligned and satisfying.

As you start living according to your clarified values, periodically reflect on the impact. Are you feeling more at peace, motivated, or authentic? Celebrate the positive changes, no matter how small. If you stumble or realize you’ve been slipping back into old habits, simply use your list of values to recalibrate.

Life is dynamic, and living your values is an ongoing journey rather than a one-time fix. By staying mindful of your core values, you’ll more easily catch yourself when things feel off-course and make gentle corrections.

Values come in all shapes and sizes. Below is a comprehensive list of common personal values that people often find fulfilling when embraced. As you review this list, notice which words resonate strongly with you. There may be some values you hadn’t considered until you see them named. Feel free to use this list to spark ideas for your own values. Remember, a value might have a slightly different meaning to each person - and not every value on this list will be meaningful to you. Pick the ones that feel important in your heart or gut.

• Accountability - taking responsibility for one’s actions and commitments.
• Achievement - pursuing and reaching goals; success through effort.
• Adaptability - flexibility in the face of change; ability to adjust easily.
• Adventure - seeking new and exciting experiences; willingness to take risks.
• Altruism - selfless concern for the well-being of others; generosity.
• Ambition - drive to accomplish, improve, or attain success.
• Authenticity - being genuine and true to oneself; honesty with one’s self.
• Balance - stability and equilibrium between life’s priorities.
• Beauty - appreciating aesthetics, art, nature, and the beauty in life.
• Being the best - striving for excellence and high performance in all endeavors.
• Belonging - feeling accepted as part of a group or community; connection with others.
• Career - valuing one’s professional life, growth, and accomplishments in work.
• Caring - nurturing and showing kindness towards others; compassion in action.
• Collaboration - working cooperatively with others; teamwork.
• Commitment - dedication to causes, relationships, or goals; loyalty and follow-through.
• Community - being part of, and contributing to, a supportive group or society.
• Compassion - empathy and concern for others’ suffering; wanting to help.
• Competence - being skilled and capable; proficiency and effectiveness.
• Confidence - belief in oneself and one’s abilities; self-assurance.
• Connection - forming meaningful bonds with people; a sense of closeness.
• Contentment - being satisfied and at peace with what one has; a sense of ease.
• Contribution - making a positive difference; giving back to others or society.
• Cooperation - coordinating harmoniously with others; mutual help and support.
• Courage - bravery to face fears, challenges, or the unknown.
• Creativity - using imagination to create or innovate; expressing oneself artistically.
• Curiosity - desire to learn, explore, and understand; openness to new ideas.
• Dignity - valuing inherent worth in oneself and others; self-respect and honor.
• Diversity - respecting and valuing differences among people; inclusivity.
• Environment - caring for nature and the planet; environmental stewardship.
• Efficiency - working productively and without waste; valuing optimal use of time/energy.
• Equality - believing in equal rights and opportunities for all; fairness in society.
• Ethics - acting with moral principles; honesty and integrity in choices.
• Excellence - striving for high quality or mastery; doing things to the best of one’s ability.
• Fairness - justice, equity, and treating people impartially.
• Faith - religious or spiritual belief; trust in something greater or in one’s principles.
• Family - prioritizing family bonds, support, and quality time with family members.
• Financial stability - having secure and sufficient finances; freedom from financial worry.
• Forgiveness - letting go of grudges and resentment; giving second chances.
• Freedom - the power to act, speak, or think without undue restraint; independence.
• Friendship - close, trusting relationships with friends; companionship.
• Fun - enjoyment, playfulness, and lightheartedness in life.
• Future generations - concern for the wellbeing of those who come after us; legacy.
• Generosity - giving freely of time, money, or support to others.
• Giving back - contributing to community or society, especially in gratitude for what one has.
• Grace - elegance in behavior or manner; extending kindness under pressure.
• Gratitude - thankfulness and appreciation for what one has and experiences.
• Growth - personal development and progress; learning and evolving continuously.
• Harmony - peace and balance in relationships or environments; lack of conflict.
• Health - physical and mental well-being; taking care of one’s body and mind.
• Home - a sense of warmth, safety, and belonging in one’s living environment.
• Honesty - truthfulness and transparency; being honest with oneself and others.
• Hope - optimism and a positive outlook toward the future.
• Humility - being modest about achievements; openness to learning from others.
• Humor - appreciating laughter and lightness; not taking everything too seriously.
• Inclusion - making sure everyone feels welcomed and valued; embracing differences.
• Independence - self-reliance and autonomy; being in control of one’s own life.
• Initiative - readiness to act or take charge before others do; proactive attitude.
• Integrity - adhering to moral and ethical principles; doing the right thing even when it’s hard.
• Intuition - trusting one’s inner feelings or gut instincts in decision-making.
• Job security - stability in employment; knowing one’s job/income is reliable.
• Joy - a deep feeling of happiness and delight in life’s moments.
• Justice - upholding what is fair and right; protecting the innocent and deserving.
• Kindness - being friendly, generous, and considerate to others.
• Knowledge - valuing learning, education, and understanding; seeking truth.
• Leadership - guiding and inspiring others; taking responsibility to lead.
• Learning - continuously acquiring new skills or insights; intellectual growth.
• Legacy - creating something that outlasts you; passing on values or accomplishments.
• Leisure - valuing downtime, relaxation, and hobbies; work-life balance.
• Love - deep affection and care for others; wanting what’s best for for others.
• Loyalty - devotion and faithfulness to people, groups, or ideals.
• Making a difference - having a positive impact on the world or in others’ lives.
• Nature - connecting with the natural world; appreciating outdoors and environmental beauty.
• Openness - being receptive to new experiences and ideas; transparency in communication.
• Optimism - expecting the best possible outcome; focusing on the positive side.
• Order - organization, structure, and neatness; preferring clarity and predictability.
• Parenting - dedicating oneself to raising and nurturing children.
• Patience - ability to wait calmly and tolerate delays or difficulties.
• Patriotism - love for or devotion to one’s country or community.
• Peace - valuing calmness and non-violence; inner peace and peaceful relations.
• Perseverance - persistence in the face of challenges; determination and grit.
• Personal fulfillment - a sense of personal satisfaction and happiness with life.
• Power - desire to influence, lead, or have authority; control over one’s circumstances.
• Pride - a feeling of satisfaction from one’s achievements or qualities.
• Recognition - being acknowledged and appreciated by others for one’s contributions.
• Reliability - being dependable and trustworthy; others can count on you.
• Resourcefulness - ability to handle situations creatively with the tools at hand; clever problem-solving.
• Respect - esteem for oneself and others; treating people with dignity.
• Responsibility - being accountable for one’s duties and actions; reliability in meeting obligations.
• Risk-taking - willingness to take chances and embrace uncertainty for potential reward.
• Safety/Security - feeling secure and protected from harm; stability in environment.
• Self-discipline - ability to control one’s impulses and stay focused on goals.
• Self-expression - freedom to express one’s personality, feelings, or creativity.
• Self-respect - pride in oneself; not compromising one’s values or dignity.
• Serenity - calmness, tranquility, and freedom from stress.
• Service - helping others and contributing to the welfare of individuals or community.
• Simplicity - living plainly or minimally; valuing simple joys over complexity.
• Spirituality - seeking a connection with something greater.
• Sportsmanship - fair and respectful behavior in competition; grace in winning or losing.
• Stewardship - responsibility for taking care of something.
• Success - achieving one’s goals and aspirations; a sense of accomplishment.
• Teamwork - collaborating effectively as part of a team; valuing group success.
• Thrift - frugality and careful management of resources; avoiding waste.
• Time - valuing time as a precious resource; using time wisely or having free time.
• Tradition - respecting customs, heritage, or routines passed down over time.
• Travel - valuing exploration of new places and cultures; adventure through journey.
• Trust - having faith in others and being trustworthy in return; a sense of mutual reliability.
• Truth - valuing honesty, facts, and reality; seeking and speaking the truth.
• Understanding - being empathetic and perceptive; seeking to comprehend others and situations.
• Uniqueness - valuing individuality; celebrating what makes someone different.
• Usefulness - feeling valuable and of service; being able to contribute effectively.
• Vision - having a clear image of a hoped-for future; imagination and foresight in planning.
• Vulnerability - openness in expressing one’s feelings and weaknesses; authenticity and courage to be seen.
• Wealth - abundance of money or possessions (often as a means to security or freedom).
• Well-being - a state of overall health and happiness; balance of mind, body, and spirit.
• Wholeheartedness - living with enthusiasm, dedication, and authenticity; engaging fully in life.
• Wisdom - insight, good judgment, and understanding gained from experience.