You may have heard of the phrase 'Core Values', but what are they and how do you know?

Well, our core values our formed around our internal beliefs and form the basis of how we feel we should live our lives, they define our principles and determine how we behave. Every one of us has different core values, we may share some but what is a priority to one person is often different to another. Our core values can help us to decide who we want to be by impacting which rights, causes and behaviours matter the most to us.

Most core values are instilled in us by our parents and the majority of us have positive core values for example belief that family is important, or that integrity is the best policy, however core values can also be defined by our lived experiences and not all people are driven by positive values. Some people may be motivated by core values that we, in society perceive as negative traits or attitudes. These negative core values tend to develop when people have suffered trauma and survival has become their focus. They may believe that the world is a bad place, that most people are untrustworthy or that there is no point in trying as nothing ever works out. Knowing our own core values can help us to live authentic lives, true to ourselves and our beliefs which can in turn lead to a greater sense of peace and overall wellbeing.

If you want to figure out what your core values are try the exercise below;

Firstly ask yourself some questions and write down the answers; What brings your life joy and meaning? What do you want to achieve in life? What couldn't you live without? What makes you proud? These questions alone may be enough to show you what your core values are for example; family, laughter, kindness, compassion and so on. However, if you have a long list of values that are important to you try organising them into similar groups and writing a word or phrase to encompass all of the words in that group. Example:  generosity, kindness, volunteering could all be grouped together under something like 'giving back' or 'serving others'. Try to limit your values down to 5 - this will make it easier for you to live your life in a true and authentic manner. Keeping this list small will help you to make decisions and align you’re actions with your beliefs.  If you have a list of many core values this will make it really hard to prioritise any of them and leave you feeling frazzled and pulled in too many directions.

Each week reflect and think of how your values have showed up in your life. If they don't appear or if you’re actions aren't congruent with your values think of ways you could create more alignment for yourself.

Remember, knowing your own core values is about knowing yourself better, using them as a guid for your own behaviour, in turn, showing others who we truly are.