What does it mean to live each day guided by your core values? For most of us, values are a vague concept: words like ‘integrity’, ‘growth’, or ‘community’ that sound nice but rarely get any practical mention in our daily routine. Yet, research and real-life stories show that knowing—and actively using—our personal values can lead to greater clarity, motivation, and a sense of purpose.
But how do you actually identify your most important values and make them part of your decision-making and habits? In this article, you’ll discover a simple, actionable process for creating your own personal values list—and ways to leverage it for more intentional, fulfilling days. Whether you’re feeling directionless, struggling with choices, or just looking to deepen your self-awareness, this guide will help you take concrete steps toward living in greater alignment with what matters most to you.
Why Defining Your Core Values Matters
Many people drift through life on autopilot, reacting to circumstances or doing what’s expected without questioning why. When you’re clear on your values, you have a kind of internal compass—one that helps you:
- Make tough decisions with less regret
- Set meaningful goals (not just the ones everyone else chases)
- Navigate setbacks with more resilience
- Feel less overwhelmed by daily choices and distractions
- Live with a sense of authenticity and self-respect
A values list isn’t another productivity hack or feel-good exercise. It’s the foundation for self-discipline, boundaries, motivation, and personal growth.
What Are Personal Values?
Personal values are the beliefs and principles that inform your priorities, guide your decisions, and define who you want to be. They’re not what your parents, friends, or culture tell you to value—these are deeply held convictions that feel right at a gut level.
Examples of core values include:
- Honesty
- Family
- Authenticity
- Learning
- Creativity
- Adventure
- Stability
- Growth
- Connection
- Compassion
- Independence
Everyone’s list is different—two people can both pick ‘growth,’ but it might look radically different for each of them in daily practice.
How to Discover Your Personal Values: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create a personal values list that genuinely reflects who you are? Try this four-step process:
1. Start With Reflection
This is your chance to look beneath the surface. Find a quiet space and ask yourself:
- When have I felt truly proud of myself? What was I doing?
- What situations make me deeply angry, uncomfortable, or frustrated? Why?
- Who do I respect or admire, and what traits do they embody?
- When did I feel most fulfilled or energized in the past year?
Jot down themes and specific words that come up. Don’t filter—just observe what stands out.
2. Use a Values List for Inspiration (But Not For Copying)
There are dozens of sample values lists online (see partial examples above). Browse through them and circle any that really resonate or feel like a ‘yes!’ moment. Aim for 10-15 at first. Don’t worry about ranking or whether they sound impressive—just focus on what feels true for you.
3. Narrow Down to Your True Top Values
Here’s the hard part: pare your list down to your top 3-5 core values. This is where the most clarity comes from. Try this process:
- For each value, ask: Would I feel authentically myself if I didn’t live this daily?
- What would I sacrifice other values for? (e.g., Would I choose honesty over harmony? Freedom over stability?)
- Imagine a tough decision: Which values need to be present for me to make the best choice?
Write your final 3-5 in a journal or the notes app on your phone. Define in your own words what each value means—everyone’s ‘integrity’ or ‘adventure’ looks different.
4. Create a Personal Values Statement or Motto
Translate your shortlist into a phrase you can come back to daily. For example:
- Example Values: Curiosity | Honesty | Service | Joy | Growth
- Values Statement: “I choose growth and joy every day by learning openly, acting honestly, and seeking ways to help others.”
Your statement doesn’t need to be poetic—clarity and resonance matter most. This is your North Star.
How to Use Your Personal Values List in Daily Life
Identifying your core values is an amazing first step—but the real power comes from weaving them into your everyday decisions and routines.
1. Values-Based Decision Making
Next time you’re faced with a tough choice—a job offer, a new commitment, saying yes or no—ask:
- Which option is most aligned with my values?
- If I choose this, which of my values will I honor or neglect?
This doesn’t guarantee every decision is easy, but it does ensure it comes from a place of authenticity and self-respect. Over time, you’ll notice fewer regrets and more confidence in your choices.
2. Set Goals That Match Your Values
Many people set goals because they think they ‘should’—not because the goals reflect who they truly are. To create meaningful goals, ask:
- How does this goal reflect my top values?
- What would a ‘values-based’ version of this goal look like?
For example, if you value ‘connection’ and want to exercise more, consider group classes or partner workouts instead of solo gym sessions. If you value ‘learning,’ add a reading challenge to your year.
3. Build Habits Around Your Values
Habits are how values show up in your daily life. For each core value, brainstorm one small action you can take every day or week:
- If you value ‘gratitude,’ start or end each day by writing one thing you’re grateful for
- If you value ‘creativity,’ block out 30 minutes weekly for a passion project
- If you value ‘integrity,’ catch yourself in moments of people-pleasing and practice saying what you really mean
Over time, these micro-actions cement your values and make them second nature.
4. Use Your Values to Set Boundaries
It’s easier—and less guilt-inducing—to say no to things that clash with your most important values. When a request or demand comes in, pause and assess:
- Does this fit with my values?
- If not, is there a way to decline or renegotiate respectfully?
For example: Turning down extra work on the weekend if ‘family’ or ‘rest’ is your top value, or opting out of an event that doesn’t align with your ‘service’ or ‘authenticity’ value.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
It’s common to hit a few snags on the journey to values-based living. Here are classic traps and how to dodge them:
- Confusing goals with values. ‘Run a marathon’ is a goal; ‘wellness’ or ‘challenge’ might be the values driving it.
- Basing values on external approval. Your values shouldn’t be inherited from parents, friends, or society. If a value isn’t energizing or meaningful for you, it probably won’t stick.
- Picking too many values. The more focused your list, the more powerful and usable it becomes.
- Forgetting to revisit and revise. Values can shift as you grow. Revisit your list every 6–12 months.
Sample List of 50 Personal Values (To Jumpstart Your Process)
- Accountability
- Adventure
- Authenticity
- Balance
- Beauty
- Challenge
- Comfort
- Compassion
- Connection
- Contribution
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Diversity
- Empathy
- Excellence
- Fairness
- Family
- Freedom
- Friendships
- Growth
- Gratitude
- Health
- Honesty
- Humor
- Independence
- Integrity
- Joy
- Justice
- Kindness
- Learning
- Leadership
- Love
- Loyalty
- Openness
- Optimism
- Order
- Passion
- Peace
- Perseverance
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Security
- Simplicity
- Spirituality
- Stability
- Success
- Trust
- Wealth
- Wellness
- Wisdom
Circle the ones that call out to you. Then, repeat the narrowing and defining process.
How to Keep Your Values Top of Mind (Even When Life Gets Busy)
Knowing your values is only useful if you remember and use them—especially in stressful or distracting times. Realistic strategies to keep your values front and center include:
- Write your values on a Post-it and stick it to your laptop, desk, or mirror
- Set a daily phone reminder with your values statement
- Use your morning journaling or reflection time to check in with your values and set intentions
- Share your values with a friend or accountability partner who can nudge you if you start drifting
This little bit of awareness makes a huge difference in how aligned you feel throughout the week.
Case Study: The Impact of Living Your Values
Meet Julia. After years of climbing the corporate ladder, Julia felt restless and burned out—even after a big promotion. She completed a values exercise and realized her real drivers were ‘creativity,’ ‘service,’ and ‘flexibility.’ That awareness helped her negotiate a more creative project at work and pursue a part-time volunteer position. The result? Lower stress, more motivation, and a clear sense that she was living life on her own terms.
You don’t need a dramatic career change to benefit. Daily course corrections—guided by your values—create authenticity and satisfaction over time.
What to Do When Your Choices Conflict with Your Values
It’s impossible to live every value every day. Sometimes, values clash, or circumstances force tough compromises. In these moments, ask yourself:
- What value is most essential in this decision?
- What trade-offs am I willing to live with (for now)?
- What’s one small step I can take to honor more of my values later?
Compassion for yourself is a value, too. Life isn’t about perfect alignment—it’s about moving in the right direction over time.
Conclusion: Make Your Values List a Practical Daily Tool
Discovering your core values is one of the most powerful personal growth tools available—and it doesn’t require a dramatic life overhaul. With just a few hours of reflection, you can create a personal values list (and statement) that clarifies tough choices, inspires motivation, and helps you build truly intentional habits.
The real magic lies in daily use: checking your priorities, aligning your habits, and adjusting your decisions with these guiding principles in mind. When you do, even the most ordinary days start to feel more meaningful.
Your next step: Set aside 30 minutes this week to start your personal values list. See how much lighter, clearer, and more empowered you feel—one intentional decision at a time.
