The trick to easy decision making

Why it's important to know your personal values and how to identify them.

“Tell me what you pay attention to and I will tell you who you are.” ― José Ortega y Gasset

Our values serve as the guidance that shapes our decisions, actions, and often our sense of purpose. Whether we're consciously aware of them or not, our values play a profound role in each aspect of our lives. They act as a moral compass, influencing the relationships we build, the careers we pursue, and the dreams we chase.

What are personal values

Personal values are the deeply held beliefs, principles, and ideals that are fundamental to a person's identity. They provide a framework for assessing the rightness or wrongness of actions, shaping priorities, and influencing choices in various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and personal development.

Personal values are, well, personal! They and can vary significantly from one individual to another. Recognizing and respecting the diversity of values in different people is crucial for fostering empathy and deeper connections with each other.

Types of personal values

Here are a few examples of things people may call their personal values:

1. Integrity: Valuing honesty, truthfulness, and moral uprightness in our actions and interactions.

2. Compassion: Demonstrating kindness, empathy, and a desire to alleviate the suffering of others.

3. Family: Prioritizing family relationships, support, and the well-being of loved ones.

4. Achievement: Striving for personal success, accomplishment, and the pursuit of goals.

5. Freedom: Emphasizing personal autonomy, independence, and the right to make your own choices.

6. Creativity: Valuing self-expression, imagination, and the pursuit of artistic or innovative endeavors.

7. Equality: Advocating for fairness, justice, and the elimination of discrimination and prejudice.

8. Environmentalism: Prioritizing the protection of the environment and sustainable living practices.

9. Community: Fostering a sense of belonging, social engagement, and contribution to your community or society.

10. Spirituality: Embracing religious or spiritual beliefs, values, and practices as a central part of life.

Why it's important to know your personal values

Understanding your values is essential for making informed decisions, setting meaningful goals, and living a life that aligns with your true self. It helps people make choices that align with their core beliefs and live a more meaningful and authentic life. Clarifying your values can also help you navigate complex ethical dilemmas, make career choices, and build more fulfilling relationships. Personal values are at the core of the decision making process; so when you know what your values are, it's easy to make decisions.

How to know your personal values

Values can be deeply ingrained, often developing through a combination of factors, including our upbringing, cultural background, personal experiences, and philosophical or religious influences. To know them, there are a few things you can do.

Self-Reflection and Prioritization

Understanding your personal values begins with a journey inward. Take time for self-reflection by pondering what truly matters to you in life. Consider your core beliefs, the principles you hold dear, and the activities that bring you the most joy. Make a list of these elements, and then prioritize them. Ask yourself which values are non-negotiable and which might be more flexible. This process will help you pinpoint the values that hold the greatest significance in your life and create a clearer sense of your personal hierarchy of values.

Identify Influential Moments

Another powerful way to discover your personal values is to reflect on pivotal moments in your life. Think about the times when you felt most proud, fulfilled, or content. Conversely, consider moments when you felt conflicted, uncomfortable, or disappointed. These significant experiences often align with your values, either because they were in harmony with them or in conflict. By analyzing these situations, you can uncover the values that were at play during those moments and gain a deeper understanding of what truly matters to you. Exploring the emotions and reactions tied to these experiences can provide valuable insights into your core values.

It's important to note that these values can evolve and change over time as we grow, learn, and experience new aspects of life. So, I suggest doing a self check-in every year or so to see how they've changed or remained the same.

Here's to the true you!

~ Ashlynn