What Are Personal Values? Your Inner Compass
Have you ever had to make a tough decision and felt pulled in different directions? That feeling comes from your personal values.
Think of your values as an inner compass. These are your core beliefs—like honesty, family, kindness, or creativity.
Values center on your aspirations and the things that hold true significance for you. They are the things you hold in high regard in life.
According to researchers, values are “trans-situational goals” that guide our lives. This means they are important no matter what situation you’re in. They shape how you think, what you feel, and how you act.
If you value kindness, show it at work, with friends, or at home.
Why Are Values Important for Your Mental Health?
Having a clear sense of your personal values is a powerful tool for a healthier mind.
Here’s why it matters:
• They Guide Your Choices: When you know what you value, it’s easier to make decisions that feel right. This can lead to less stress and fewer regrets. For instance, if you value adventure, saying “yes” to a spontaneous trip will feel natural. If you value security, a stable job will feel like a good choice.
- They Give You Purpose: Research shows that connecting with your values boosts happiness and well-being. When your actions line up with your values, you feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• They Build Resilience: Knowing your values can help you get through tough times. When faced with a challenge, you can ask yourself, “What would I do here based on what I value most?” This question helps you stay strong and true to yourself.
How to Create a Values List
Creating a values list is a simple and powerful exercise.
There’s no right or wrong answer—what feels true for you.
- Think of a day when you experienced deep happiness, pride, or fulfillment.
- What made it special?
- Who were you with?
- What did you do?
- Take a moment to remember that joy. Let it fill you up again.
- What were you doing?
- Who were you with?
- What qualities did you show? The answers can reveal what you value.
- Use a Values List:
- Look at a list of common values.
- As you read them, write down any words that jump out at you or make you feel a connection.
- Don’t worry about narrowing it down yet.
- Choose Your Top 5:
- From your list, pick the 3 to 5 values that are most important to you right now.
- It can be hard, but try to choose the ones that you can’t live without. These are your core values.
Conclusion
Your values are a part of you, whether you’ve thought about them or not. Taking the time to understand them can lead to a more purposeful and satisfying life.
If you’re struggling to connect with your values or feel like your life is out of sync with them, a therapist can help. At Helping Hand Therapy, we help clients tackle big questions. We guide them toward an authentic life.
If you’re ready to start your journey, reach out to us for a free consultation.
Your Values Action Plan
- Start a “Values Journal”:
- For one week, try to notice when you feel a sense of purpose or joy.
- Write down what you are doing and what value you might be living out.
- Check Your Values for Small Choices:
- When you decide how to spend your Saturday, refer to your values list.
- Which option lines up best with what you care about?
- Find a Values List:
- Search online for a “list of personal values” and pick the top 5 to 10 that feel most like you.
- Practice Gratitude:
- Every day, think of one thing you’re grateful for and connect it to a value.
- For example, “I’m grateful for my friend’s support, which shows I value community.”
- Talk to a Professional:
- A therapist can help you use your values to set goals and work through challenges.
- If you need help finding your way, contact us for a free consultation.
