Discovering Your Core Values

May 17th, 2014

All companies and organizations typically define their mission, vision, & core values in a way that sets the direction of the company and its objectives. You too can benefit from this same tool by discovering your core values, as they can be a tool to help you in moving forward more effectively in your life.

Your core values give direction to the words you speak, the actions you perform, and the path you walk each day. ~Author Unknown

What are values?

Your core values can be represented by a series of words or phrases that define who you are and what you stand for. They are the internal navigation system for your life and the filter through which you process all of your decisions. They are the values you would fight for and the attributes you would hope that others say about you in your absence or after your death. In the most basic sense, core values are the characteristics, traits and qualities in which you place a high value. They form the foundation on which you conduct yourself each day. They shape your personality and distinguish you from everyone else. I keep a document titled “Jessica McCormick’s Brand”. This document clearly articulates my vision, mission, purpose, core values, and other personal characteristics that describe who I am and what I like.

By defining these things, along with my personal and professional goals, I know what I stand for, what I want, where I want to take my life, and how I want to be viewed by the world. As a result, I am able to make wise choices quickly.