Personal Core Values – How to Use Them to Make Decisions

Lisa Hirst Carnes | June 2023

Person looking up at a variety of intersecting colored lines.

A couple of weeks ago, while David and I were on a walk, personal core values came up. David had started working with a new business coach, and talking about core values is common.

I told David what I thought his core values were (IMHO), and he did the same for me. Hearing another person’s perspective was interesting. 

This experience encouraged us to ask the ArcStone team. 

The very next day, we posed this question to the group. 

“What are your personal core values?”

At ArcStone, our core values – Service, Craftsmanship, Evolution, Harmony, and Happiness – guide us. They serve as our North Star, guiding our choices and driving us to do great work. 

It’s common for organizations to have core values, but when you ask most people, they might say something like “family” without much thought.
 
Identifying your own personal core values can serve as your own North Star.
 
What happened when we asked our team about their core values was surprising. But first let’s start with the basics.

What do we mean by Personal Core Values?

Personal core values are the core beliefs that guide an individual’s behavior. They represent a person’s sense of purpose. Usually, these values are formed from early childhood experiences and social connections.
 
Core values define how someone views and interacts with the world. They manifest in a person’s behavior, attitude, thoughts, beliefs, and perspective.

Personal Core Values are Personal

Your core values should be your own – not your parent’s, your family’s, or your friend’s.
 
When groups share core values in a given culture or society, they create a sense of belonging.

Core Values are Fluid, Yet Stable

Core values may change over time as people gain new experiences and perspectives. It’s essential to be open to this process of self-discovery. By being mindful of our core values, we can ensure that our decisions reflect who we are and what matters most in our lives.

Core Values Serve as a Moral Compass

They may also guide one’s behavior when faced with ethical dilemmas or moral choices. Knowing your core values is helpful to ensure they align with your actions.
 
Core values can also be a touchstone during change, helping people stay true to who they are. Having this awareness can help people make decisions that align with their principles. This can lead to greater satisfaction and greater well-being. Regardless of the challenge, living by one’s core values can be a powerful source of hope and strength.
 
Living by one’s core values is a powerful way to stay true to oneself. But, by being open to changes in values, it is possible to create a meaningful and fulfilling life.
 
Ultimately, core values guide how we want to live life. They can be a source of strength and resilience when guidance is needed.

Core Values Help Us Connect

Core values also allow individuals to create meaningful connections with others. This helps to build strong communities based on mutual understanding. 

At the same time, it’s important to remember that everyone’s core values are different. 

Now that I’ve convinced you how personal core values can help you, what’s next? 

Take time to consider what matters to you. To keep it simple, start with this Core Values worksheet created by our friends at The 1 Thing

Then, ask friends and family to choose the core values that represent you. This will provide extra insight. Do your own values match other’s perceived values? If not, how can you align how you perceive your own values with how you show up to others?

As you work through this exercise, contact me if you have any questions or revelations. I’d love to hear about your experience!

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